LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco has expressed his satisfaction after finishing 12th at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. While the ranking itself may seem modest, what has particularly encouraged the Frenchman is the pace he has managed to maintain throughout the race, as well as the reduced gap with the leaders, in particular Francesco Bagnaia, who finished on the podium.
“It was an impressive pace », Confided Zarco. « I couldn’t believe what I saw on my dashboard. We did almost the entire race below the 1’29 mark. I put all my concentration to repeat everything I did and I stayed with the guys in front of me. »
Zarco recognized the continuing limitations of its
Hondaparticularly in terms of handling and traction, but he was satisfied with the progress: “ the bike still has this limit that I struggle with, I can’t turn it the way I want and control the traction. But you have to remember that a few months ago, it seemed like we weren’t playing in the same category. Today we were with the others. » And he proclaims it to anyone who will listen: “ we are back in the race ».
One of the most encouraging aspects for Johann Zarco East the gap of only 10 seconds with Pecco Bagnaiaa positive indicator according to him, after a series of disappointing results for Honda this season.
This Australian Grand Prix marks the sixth consecutive race in the points for Johann Zarco
Ce Australian Grand Prix marks the sixth consecutive race in the points for Zarcowith a ninth place in Indonesia two meetings ago as his best recent result.
The journey of Zarco at Phillip Island has undoubtedly worked in his favor, because it is a circuit where he has already triumphed in 2023 for Pramac Ducati. However, the Frenchman’s confidence is reinforced by the fact that even with a
Honda in difficulty, he managed to stay in the peloton with competitive times. This Australian circuit, where the gaps are often tighter, allowed the Frenchman to compensate for some of the weaknesses of his machine.
The correct form of Zarco is shared by other drivers
Hondalike the former world champion
Joan Mirwho expressed some optimism after improvements seen at the Japanese Grand Prix. However, this progress has not yet been fully translated into results for the official team, particularly with the difficulties encountered by Mir after being knocked out of the race by Alex Marquez.
Honda also has reason to hope for a better future with the arrival of
Albesian Romancurrent technical director ofApriliawithin his team for the 2025 season. This technical reinforcement could allow
Honda to regain the competitiveness that it has lacked in recent years.
A somme, say Honda has not yet regained all its glory in MotoGP, Johann Zarco is optimistic about the future. The Phillip Island race showed encouraging signs, and with technical developments to come, hopes of a return to the top appear to be growing.
MotoGP, Australia J3,: classification
