Thanks to Johann Zarco, France has 100 GP victories

This is an extraordinary figure that French motorcycling has reached: with Johann Zarco's victory at the French GP last Sunday, French riders have now won 100 Grand Prix victories.

Published 15/05/2025 à 10:41

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Thanks to Johann Zarco, France has 100 GP victories

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

There are statistical coincidences that are almost like destiny. By crossing the checkered flag first at the French Grand Prix last Sunday, Johann Zarco made the stands of the Bugatti circuit roar with his second victory in MotoGP, on the day of his 150th start in the premier class.

The two-time Moto2 world champion (2015, 2016) accomplished this feat on home soil, riding his LCR Honda, which had allowed him to shine since the start of the season, without however suggesting a victory against the untouchable Ducati. The usually bright red of Marc Márquez's Desmosedici seemed pale in comparison to the supersonic pace of the Cannes rider, who extended his lead from 6 seconds when he took the lead to 20 seconds at the finish line.

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Neither the elements, nor the growing emotion with each lap, nor any driver could prevent Johann Zarco from bringing LCR its second victory in three years, after that achieved by Alex Rins in Texas at the start of 2023. From a purely French point of view, Johann Zarco's victory resonated much more strongly, especially on home soil, in an event where you had to go back 71 years to find a trace of a French winner.

Much water has flowed under the bridge since Pierre Monneret's victory in 1954, but no Frenchman had managed to imitate him, not even fabio quartararo, despite two pole positions won in Sarthe in 2021 and 2025. By putting an end to this long drought, Zarco became, at 34 years old, the author of the hundredth French success in Grand Prix.

The former Pramac rider, who hopes to earn a seat with the Honda factory team next season, holds the record for victories with 18 GP wins, including two in the premier class. Fabio Quartararo (12) is close behind him in the standings, ahead of the seven victories of Olivier Jacque, Arnaud Vincent and Christian Sarron. In total, 25 have triumphed in GPs and have contributed to making France the eighth country to reach the 100-win mark, after Spain, Italy, Japan, the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Australia. Here's hoping the streak is far from over...

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