a frustrating season for Quartararo and Zarco, but reasons for hope

The two Frenchmen involved in MotoGP, Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) and Johann Zarco (Honda-LCR), had a frustrating season riding motorcycles lacking in performance, but the revival that occurred at the end of the season can give them hope for better days. in 2025.

. No podium for Quartararo

Continuing a disappointing 2023 season, Fabio Quartararo (25 years old) was not able to fight with the European motorcycles which were much better than his Japanese mount.

For the first time in six seasons of MotoGP, the 2021 world champion will not have achieved any podium and even no Top 5 in Grand Prix. He was two corners away from doing so in September at the San Marino GP… but lost two places after running out of fuel. The image of the Frenchman pushing his Yamaha along the pit wall then went around the world. And the following month, the same mishap occurred in Japan, causing it to lose a place this time.

The Niçois' best result will therefore remain a sixth place in Malaysia, while in the sprint he managed to obtain two fifth positions in Spain and at Sepang. Quartararo finished 13th at the world championship, his worst result in the premier category. Last season, he managed to secure three podiums to snatch 10th place in the world.

The first half of the season was particularly difficult for the Frenchman, only twice in the Top 10 in the first 12 GPs. Misano (Italy), which hosted two races in September, marked a turning point for «The Devil» because the results have improved thanks to the developments made to his bike, which allows him to hope to be able to move up the hierarchy next year.

“The season was frustrating because we didn't make a podium but I see that the work is starting to pay off. I expected faster progress but I see that developments are coming little by little so it is positive and encouraging. I feel like we're heading in the right direction.”explained to AFP Quartararo, who extended his contract for two seasons, until the end of 2026, with the Japanese manufacturer.

. Zarco, best Honda rider

After four seasons and 15 podiums, including a victory, with Ducati, Johann Zarco (34 years old) discovered Honda this year, the legendary Japanese brand which has however been in great difficulty for some time.

Within the LCR satellite team, the Avignonnais managed to be the best of the four Honda riders, notably ahead of the official bikes of the Spaniard Joan Mir and the Italian Luca Marini. “It was my goal so I’m satisfied, it’s good to maintain importance with Honda and for the team”the double Moto2 world champion (2015, 2016) explained to AFP.

Like Quartararo, the first two thirds of the season looked like a long way of the cross as his bike was light years ahead of his competitors. But the improvements made at the Misano tests in September worked well and allowed Zarco to have a great Asian tour. He finally managed to achieve two Top 10 GP finishes in Indonesia and Thailand.

“It's good for morale to be able to compete in the second part of qualifying (Q2) or fight for the Top 10. It's been a long time coming and it allows me to be more confident for next year because we're making progress”underlined the Cannes resident, who will be the oldest rider in 2025 for his ninth season in MotoGP.

Zarco, under contract until the end of 2025, would even see itself continued until 2027, when new technical regulations will come into force: “That's the objective because the tide could turn and Honda could return to the front. »

Lucio Cecchinello, his boss, is delighted to have chosen the Frenchman to strengthen his team and would like to work with him for several more years. “Johann adapted very well and had a very good season,” he told AFP. He is very good at developing the bike. The choice will depend on Honda, but it would be good to collaborate in the long term with Johann. »