Johann Zarco sees Honda 'going in the right direction' after Aragon Test

After a weekend to forget, during which Johann Zarco did not score any points, the Frenchman regained hope at Aragon, during the second Official Test of MotoGP of the season. Under ideal weather conditions, the Cannes rider was able to evaluate numerous new components supplied by HRC, as well as different electronic configurations and settings. All with the aim of improving the bike in several aspects.

The day's goal wasn't to set lap times, but to gather reliable data: no flying laps or new tires were used. Johann Zarco thus finished 17th in the official times (1:47.017). A ranking that in no way reflects the session's true potential.

“We tested quite a few things today, and I'm happy with the feedback we got, confided the Frenchman at the end of the day, via his team's press release. I had a good feeling about the different parts we tried. This means we're working in the right direction. Test days are always demanding, but this one was productive and we gathered useful information to continue developing our strengths."

The information gathered will be crucial for the team, which continues to work closely with HRC in preparation for the upcoming races. As for the factory team, only Joan Mir was on track on Monday, due to the absence of Luca Marini, who remains injured.

Johann Zarco at the Official Aragon Test © Honda LCR

No big revolution for Joan Mir

The 2020 world champion also led his Honda HRC team to a productive Monday at Aragon as temperatures rose and times plummeted. After securing seventh place in the main race, his best result since the 2023 Indian Grand Prix with Honda, the No. 36 was back on his Honda RC213V for a test packed with new features.

While completing 64 laps, Joan Mir was able to test the new swingarm, already evaluated by the HRC test team in Jerez, as well as a number of setting options. With a best lap of 1'46.419, Mir finished the day in tenth place overall, seven tenths off Maverick Viñales's benchmark time.

This time is also three tenths faster than his Q2 time this weekend. The factory team rider nevertheless prefers to remain calm while assessing the progress made by Honda to date.

“I am positive today, I tried several things to progress, he adds in turn. Be more competitive and find more grip. I don't think we made a revolution today, but we certainly made some good steps. I think we were also able to gain acceleration.

"We did some tests with electronics, He continues. As a driver, you always want more and, of course, there are parts and areas we need to continue working on. But coming into today, I wanted to improve in terms of acceleration or top speed, and that's what we did, so I'm leaving here happy."

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