Johann Zarco finished the Barcelona test with a Honda RC213V which still requires improvements. The French rider identified the bike's weak points and stressed the importance of progressing in several areas to get back on the podium.
Johann Zarco concluded his first year with
LCR Honda on a mixed note, but full of lessons. During the
MotoGP tests in Barcelonathe Frenchman ranked in 10th place, confirming progress in his sensations behind the handlebars of the RC213Vbut highlighting the many challenges that await Honda to return to the top of the competition.
The official test in Barcelona allowed Zarco
to work on potential improvements for 2025. He notably tested a new motorcycle which, although uninteresting in his eyes, provided valuable information for the future direction of development: “ we discovered that some directions were not the right ones. This is important information : this will prevent us from making the same mistakes again. »
Zarco highlighted several crucial areas of development for Honda : « we need to improve the enginebecause we don't have the fastest bike. More power would allow us to fight better on the straights and overtake when braking. » On rear wheel grip he says: “
it is a weak point which affects both
acceleration and braking. We must find solutions. »
Aerodynamics and the chassis
are also a subject: “ the new framework has not brought significant progress. The next steps must absolutely result in an improvement in lap times. »
Johann Zarco : « we pilots are not engineers »
The first season of Zarco chez
Honda resulted in a 17th place in the general classification, a result far removed from his regular performances on Ducatiwhere he was a frequent podium contender. Nevertheless, he was able to learn lessons from this difficult year: “ I learned to work on myself in difficult times. I changed my attitude and it allowed me to manage the bike better and reduce the pressure. »
Zarco also recognizes the importance of its role in the technical process: “ we pilots are not engineers. If the best Japanese technicians do not find the solutions, it is not up to us to discover them. I learned to concentrate on my driving. »
Despite the challenges, Zarco remains motivated by a personal objective: to return to the podium. “ My big challenge is to continue to grow and return to the podium. I know I can still improve, and that's what motivates me. » With an additional test at
Jerez before the Sepang tests, Johann Zarco et
Honda still have work to do to catch up with rivals like
Ducati.
Johann Zarco showed resilience and a positive mindset in a difficult season. His methodical approach and constant efforts to adapt to a less competitive bike show that he is ready to take on the challenges of 2025. With Honda working intensely on his weaknesses, the Frenchman hopes to play a key role in the team's revival.
In 2025, Zarco will not just be a development driver. He aims to become a regular contender for the podium again and show that his first year at
Honda was the springboard for a comeback.
MotoGP, Barcelona Test: times
