Johann Zarco, the French pilot, has often been compared to a phoenix. After hitting rock bottom, he always rises from the ashes. In 2024, he once again proved that resilience by joining Honda, a struggling brand, and spearheading the rebirth of the RC213V.
As he savored his long-awaited first victory at the Australian Grand Prix in 2023, one could wonder if
Johann Zarco would achieve another success in MotoGP. However, despite this first significant victory, the Frenchman had already made a decision which surprised many observers: turning his back on a Ducati factory level to join a Honda in difficulty, at LCR.
Honda is experiencing one of its worst periods, having tired even its leader Marc Marquez left to rebuild his health within the satellite team Gresini Ducatia transfer unimaginable five years earlier. Yet, Zarco chose to take on the challenge. “
Honda gave me security and the opportunity to stay in MotoGP. I felt like I still had something to give “, he confided.
This decision was not without precedent. Johann Zarco had already tried a similar bet by joining
KTM en 2019an experiment that ended prematurely after a series of disappointing results. But the Frenchman seemed determined not to repeat the same mistakes.
The 2024 season has not been easy. After only 19 points in six racesHonda seemed to be stuck in a negative spiral. Yet, Zarco knew how to maintain his determination. “ I try to enjoy every momentalthough it was difficult when you couldn't keep up with the others “, he admitted.
Significant progress was made from September with the introduction of a new aerodynamic fairing.
Joan Mir recorded the best result of
Honda with an 11th place in Misano, while
Zarco scored regular points until the end of the season.
Johann Zarco: a winning mentality
Zarco impressed with his ability to adapt and his unwavering mentality. “ I learned that even in difficult times, you can always work on yourself. When we find this way,
we use the motorcycle better “, he explained.
His performance was also praised by his distinguished teammate Joan Mirwho recognized the skill of
Zarco in qualifying: “ for some reason that I don't know, he manages to do tricks that we can't duplicatee. He drives in a way that suits him very well. »
After the end of season testing in Barcelona,
Zarco recognized that the Honda RC213V 2025 was not not very positive “, but he did not see the point of ” stresses » about this: “ bad results are always useful to find the right direction. »
The team Honda seems to have found
Zarco a rider capable of getting the most out of a struggling bike while actively contributing to its development. A valuable mentality for a brand in search of redemption. In 2025, Johann Zarco could well be the pillar on which
Honda will rebuild his future in MotoGP.
