After three solid seasons at Pramac Ducati, where he achieved six podiums and his first victory in MotoGP At the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, Johann Zarco has opted to take on a new challenge at Honda. In 2024, the French rider left behind a competitive bike to join LCR Honda, a satellite team of a struggling manufacturer.
After a difficult first year, Johann Zarco managed to establish himself as the Japanese brand's top rider. He finished the 2024 season in 17th place in the championship with 55 points, far from the standards he had set at Ducati but ahead of his teammates Joan Mir and Luca Marini. His victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours in July 2024 also solidified his status within Honda.
Recently interviewed during the French GP press conference, the Tricolore returned to this daring challenge, justifying his choice. "I could have continued [on Ducati] and fought for the title, but instead I preferred to take on the challenge of bringing Honda back to the top."
Zarco seeks promotion
In 2025, Zarco continued his winning ways. After three races, he sat seventh overall with two top-10 finishes in the main race and a fourth-place finish in the sprint in Argentina. These results confirmed his pivotal role at Honda and gave him hope for a bright future with the brand.
“The results increase my credibility in the eyes of the factory team, he continues. Now the goal is to strengthen the relationship with Honda to create an opportunity to be promoted to the factory team. I am confident I will be able to handle the situation. This victory [at Suzuka] highlighted my adaptability and increased the manufacturer's confidence in me. Last summer also served that purpose."
Although he is in a satellite team, Johann Zarco already has the same technical specifications as the official riders, and works closely with Honda in the testing of new parts.
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-Pollux
08/04/2025 at 07:47 a.m.
Zarco is a really good guy. A very good rider too, why not a Honda factory next year if he continues to make us dream?