Johann Zarco towards an extension with Honda?

After making a big bet on the future at the end of 2023, Johann Zarco is about to be rewarded. A few weeks before winning his first Grand Prix in MotoGP In Phillip Island, Australia, the Frenchman had made his departure from Ducati Pramac official, to find himself riding a Honda for Team LCR. Honda was at the time in the doldrums, and this downward spiral has only continued in 2024. While Ducati had made him an offer of a one-year extension, with a future in World Superbike, the double Moto2 world champion had expressed his desire to stay in the MotoGP paddock on a more permanent basis.

It was a good decision, as after nine races this season, Johann Zarco sits sixth in the world championship. The No. 5 driver is simply the best of the rest, and has significantly contributed to the Honda RC213V's return to the front of the pack. This weekend at Jerez, his manager Guillaume Valladeau expressed optimism on Canal+ about a contract extension for his protégé. Not for just one season, but for two.

"So far, things are progressing well. We had some discussions in Qatar. So far, things are going in the right direction. The most important thing is to see if it can be done for the next two years; that's our number one goal. Of course, to continue with Honda. I think there's interest on both sides, so it's great."

Zarco courted by Honda factory team

Unsurprisingly, Honda doesn't want to part ways with its outstanding developer. The biggest issue is which team the Frenchman would ride for! A satellite rider throughout his MotoGP career, except for a disastrous start to the season with the KTM factory team in 2019, Johann Zarco could be of direct interest to HRC (Honda Racing Corporation). This means saying goodbye to Lucio Cecchinello, with whom he's had a great rapport for nearly two years now.

"Regarding the team we would be on, it's a big question, and I get asked it a lot lately. For now, we're doing well, things are going very well with LCR, we have a great bike, we have the right parts. Johann is doing a great job. It's ultimately Honda's decision to know where HRC would like Johann to go. I want to point out that the adventure is extraordinary so far, Johann is doing a great job. He's really committed since the start of the season, he's ready, physically, mentally. Discussions always take a little time, but that's normal."

If a two-year extension were to be signed, Johann Zarco would see the first season of the new 2027 regulations. With the latter potentially reshuffling the cards, would his 2023 gamble become a masterstroke?

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