MotoGP, Johann Zarco, Honda’s master asset for 2026: a contract would be sealed, but in which team?

Honda, central player in the MotoGP pilot market for 2026, seems to be on the verge of placing the first piece of its puzzle. While rumors evoke attractive offers for Pedro Acosta and Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Japanese brand has already secured a major signature: Johann Zarco. The French veteran, currently at LCR Honda, has chosen to extend the adventure in MotoGP for an additional two years, up to his 37 years. But a suspense remains: will he wear the colors of the satellite team or will he join the factory team?

The MotoGP transfers market for 2026 promises to be explosive, but in this Grand Lottery of the Guidons, Honda seems to have locked his first room. And against all odds, it is neither Pedro Acosta in Soil razgatliogluthe two most coveted names. The first to sign (or almost) for the post-2025 is Johann Zarco.

French of 35 anscurrently at LCR Hondadecided to extend his career in MotoGP for two additional seasons. According to the latest information, an agreement was reached with Hondabut a stranger remains: will he pilot for the factory team or will he continue with the satellite team of Lucio Cecchinello ? One thing is certain: Honda wants to keep her strong man.

And the word is not too strong. Since his arrival at Honda, Zarco The brand’s most efficient driver is regularly. In 2024, he was the best classified of HRC pilots. In 2025, he continued on this momentum, currently pointing to seventh place in general classification With 43 points – all on a motorcycle widely recognized as being technically behind.

Johann Zarco and Honda: An announcement at the Grand Prix de France?

In a context where Honda explore several avenues to relaunch your project – with names like Acosta, Divatlioglu or even young shoots David Alonso et Diogo Moreira -, the choice to secure Zarco is strategic. He is experienced, constant, and he knows the RC213V as a person. It remains to be seen whether it will be as the leader of an HRC in full reconstruction or pillar of a renovated LCR.

For his part, Luca Marini seems to move away from Honda And maybe even MotoGP, except to get a miracle in the VR46 clan. The place could therefore be released at Honda.

Zarco could formalize this extension from the Grand Prix de Franceat home, in Le Mans. It would be a strong message of Honda : in a restless paddock, bet on solidity. And on a Frenchman who many saw close to retirement … but who obviously has not yet said his last word in MotoGP.