Johann Zarco gave his all in Saturday's Sprint Race at the legendary Assen TT circuit, but was just a few tenths short of a points finish. Starting from the fourth row of the grid, the Castrol Honda LCR rider made an excellent start, gaining several positions in the opening laps.
Johann zarco, riding the CASTROL Honda LCR, delivered a determined performance during the race Sprint of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. Starting from the fourth row (10th on the grid), the Frenchman made a flying start, quickly climbing through the pack to fight for a place in the top 9. Despite a fierce battle, zarco finished 11th, just outside the points, penalized by difficulties in the high-speed corners of the Assen TT circuit. A frustrating but instructive race for the French driver.
« I'm happy, the start was good, it's positive ", said zarco after the race. I overtook drivers from the start, which shows that we are progressing.. » Despite limitations on the fast sections, he notes progress compared to Friday: "I feel more comfortable on the bike. »
Johann Zarco: “ with the medium rear tire and more revs, I can have an advantage »
Only Honda driver in Q2, zarco sees in this Sprint a springboard for Sunday's Grand Prix, where he hopes to capitalize on better traction control and optimized tire management. With the medium rear tire and more laps, I can have an advantage " he confides.
Faced with the domination of Ducati (Marc and Alex Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio) andAprilia by Marco Bezzecchi, zarco knows that the long race will be another challenge. I gave the best of myself, but the top 10 was hard to get into. We need to better understand our limits. ", he analyzes. With a promising pace and a demanding circuit, he is banking on a sharp strategy to aim for points. It will be a tough fight, but we will stay focused! »
Sole representative Honda in the top 10 in qualifying, zarco carries the hopes of the Japanese brand, far behind Yamaha (Fabio Quartararo on pole) and Ducati. After a complicated 2025 season, his combativeness at Assen suggests an offensive race on Sunday.
MotoGP, Assen: Qualifications
Assen Sprint:
Assen Championship after the Sprint:
