Johann Zarco's contract extension with Honda should have been a mere formality. Instead, it revealed a fundamental shift in power within HRC: strategic decisions are now made exclusively in Tokyo. Alberto Puig, the sporting face of the MotoGP project, wasn't even consulted. And he admitted it publicly.
The 2025 MotoGP season has started for Honda with the headache of three starters whose contracts were expiring. Ultimately, two of them will stay for 2026, but Somkiat Chantra was released and transferred to the team WSBK Honda after a difficult year.
No manufacturer has had so many decisions to make this year. It wasn't until the end of August that the first signs became visible: the extension of Johann Zarco with the satellite team Honda LCR.
A little after, Honda confirmed that Luca Marini would remain with the factory team alongside Joan mirThe last free handlebar was awarded to Diogo Moreira, leader of the Moto2 category, which is part of the project Honda for 2026.
When we question Alberto puig on the extension of zarcoAlberto Puig reveals: I cannot answer that question as I was not involved in the operation. It was handled directly from Japan.. »
When asked if this commitment reduces the sporting room for maneuver Honda Regarding the future: He adds, as if annoyed: I did not participate in these negotiations or in the signing.If you require further information, you will need to contact the individuals who handled this case directly. »
Johann Zarco is not in Alberto Puig's good graces
Raw, icy words that say much more than they express.
Johann zarco, who finished 6th in the overall standings after his victory at Grand Prix of France In May, he then slipped out of the top 10. He was lagging behind in technical developments, but the new contract guarantees him "equivalent" equipment in his new two-season extension.
MariniAs for him, he only signed for one year, which may seem strange compared to the two-year commitment he made with zarco — the latter remaining the pilot Honda currently the highest ranked.
Honda seems to already be preparing for the post-2026 era. The hiring of the promising young player Moreira It's a sensation. The Brazilian is seen as a driver with whom to build for 2027. The ultimate dream, however, remains Peter Acostawho is considering his options after expressing his frustration with KTMHonda has also not given up on George Martin, 2024 champion, stayed at Aprilia for the moment.
A team composed exclusively of top-level Spanish drivers could therefore be their plan A for the advent of the new regulations in 2027.
Honda is going through a period of transition. The line-up MotoGP 2025-2026 blends stability (Zarco, Marini) and evaluation (Moreira), while the Japanese management takes a more direct role. However, the real strategy is for 2027, with the ambitious hope of building a dream team with superstars like Acosta et Martin.
