Johann Zarco scored another stunning victory by winning the Suzuka 8 Hours for the second consecutive time, a victory that further strengthens his position at Honda. After a rookie triumph in 2024, the Frenchman repeated the feat this year, delivering a highly symbolic victory for his manufacturer. A result that could well accelerate discussions for a strengthened contract in 2025.
Honda attaches great importance to this legendary event, to the point of entering its MotoGP riders there. zarco, he took up the challenge brilliantly, despite expectations higher than ever.
« It means a lot, especially after doing it with a team of two drivers. It's a real feat. ", Peter McLaren told the podcast MotoGP crash. " He won last year, so there were more expectations this year »
An endurance race isn't just about speed. Four hours of riding in extreme conditions, with nighttime stints, sweltering heat, and a steely focus.
« Physically, This must be extremely difficult to manageIt's not just a physical effect. It's mental: you lose concentration, it's exhausting, you lose dexterity. " adds McLaren.
Honda under the spell: an extended and strengthened contract in sight for Johann Zarco?
À 34 years, zarco is the oldest member of the MotoGP grid, but his stock has never been higher. After his victory in the French Grand Prix at Le Mans this season, and now this double at Suzuka, Honda can only trust him.
« A manufacturer like Honda will give a lot of credit to a result like this. " analyzes Lewis Duncan on the same podcast. « If an agreement has not yet been signed, it will be soon.I can't imagine it's not a contract of at least two years, or even two plus one.. »*
And there is no shortage of arguments: since his arrival, zarco was the best pilot Honda, righting a lagging motorcycle. We saw the work he did at Honda. Since the second half of last year, he has achieved their best results. He has won Grands Prix for them. Suzuka is the icing on the cake »
While rumors linked Honda to stars like George Martin ou Peter Acosta, Zarco, himself, was never questioned. At no point was it suggested that Zarco would lose, which says a lot about its place in the Honda ecosystem ", Duncan continues. " Maybe there will be a few extra euros on his contract for the victory at Suzuka! »
And to salute his audacity: “ Honda can be commended for offering him a contract in the first place. And he should be congratulated for giving up the best bike on the grid for the worst, and making something of it. »
2025 will also be like the year zarco : victory at Mans, doubled to Suzuka, and soon, a golden future at HondaThe legend continues.
