MotoGP, France Day 3 Lucio Cecchinello: "The second fastest rider was Marc Marquez, even though he was a second faster than everyone else"

Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) claimed a historic victory at the 2025 French Grand Prix in unpredictable rain, becoming the first Frenchman to triumph at Le Mans in MotoGP since 1954. With a lead of almost 20 seconds over Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo), Zarco dominated a chaotic race, but his blistering pace – a full second a lap faster than Marquez – caused concern for LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello, as he revealed on MotoGP's After the Flag…

Le 2025 French Grand Prix will remain as a pivotal moment in the MotoGP season of Johann zarco. Winner for the first time in the premier class at home, the driver LCR Honda especially dazzled in the rain, with a stunning pace that took even the most seasoned observers by surprise... starting with his own boss, Lucio Cecchinello.

Because what zarco The victory at Le Mans was not just a tactical victory: it was also a demonstration of driving skills in unstable conditions. He started on wet tires when many competitors, Marc Marquez in the lead, changed to slicks after the warm-up lap, the Frenchman avoided the pitfalls of the early race before escaping in the lead.

**Lucio Cecchinello: “ They showed him the forecast and told him: 'The rain is coming.' And Johann trusted it. »**

The most impressive thing? He distanced Marc Marquez by a second per lap, a rare feat according to Cecchinello: " the problem, is that the second fastest driver was Marc Marquez ", confided the boss of LCR to After the Flag. And normally, in these conditions, he's the one who's a second faster than everyone else. Here, it was the opposite... and we were afraid that an error would occur at any moment »

Cecchinello also admits that the strategic decision to stay on wet tyres was crucial – and carefully considered: “ we followed the radar constantlyWe were absolutely convinced that in 20 minutes the rain would return. We showed him the forecast and told him, 'It's coming.' And Johann trusted us. »

A trust that paid off. zarco offered to Honda his first victory since Alex Rins in Austin in 2023 – and offered himself, at 34 years old, the most beautiful moment of his MotoGP career. zarco, acclaimed by a record audience, strengthens its candidacy for a HRC factory handlebar in 2026. Cecchinello, proud but cautious, greets " perfect teamwork " but warns: " We must stay focused to confirm at Silverstone. » With a Honda in recovery and a zarco At the top, Le Mans 2025 will remain etched as a strategic masterpiece.