After years of dominance, Honda is attempting to return to the top of MotoGP, having been mired in a brutal and unexpected slide since 2020. The Japanese manufacturer, which swept the roost with Marc Marquez in the 2010s (six titles in seven seasons), lost its footing after the Spanish champion's serious injury at Jerez. Since then, the RC213V has become one of the most difficult machines to tame on the grid. And then Johann Zarco arrived...
In this 2025 season, Honda benefit from concession system, and uses it to accelerate the development of his motorcycle. However, despite the additional testing and the newfound freedom in terms of engine, the results remain mixed. Joan mir et Johann zarco dominate an unenviable ranking: that of the greatest number of falls.
But in the midst of the quagmire, a man pulls Honda upwards: Johann zarco. In 34 years, the Frenchman is, according to expert Peter Bom, " a gift from God for Honda " In his podcast Oxley Bom, he does not hesitate to state: " If you take Zarco out of the equation, Honda would be 20 years behind. An unusable motorcycle »
Arrived at Honda LCR with caution, zarco established himself as the true technical leader of the project. He is, to date, the sole pilot Honda to have qualified his bike on the front line and to have challenged the Ducati in the race. His victory at the Grand Prix of France at Le Mans – the second of his career in MotoGP – and his second place at Silverstone testify to its potential, even on a capricious machine.
Conversely, factory riders Honda struggle to shine. Joan Mir struggles to regain his world champion level, and Luca marini shows timid progress. As for Somkiat Chantra, teammate of zarco in LCR, it is so far behind that its data is no longer even taken into account in development.
« Johann Zarco is no alien, but right now he's exactly what Honda needs »
For many observers, the place of zarco should no longer be in satellite. The Frenchman wants to join the official team, and his performances clearly support this. But Honda would have already locked his two factory handlebars for 2026: Marini would be extended, and Mir is still under contract for one year. However, rumors suggest a possible reorganization.
The moment is therefore crucial for HondaShould she sacrifice a world champion who is struggling to regain his level, or neglect the man who is currently carrying the entire project on his shoulders? Peter Bom sums up the situation perfectly:
« Zarco isn't an alien, but right now, he's exactly what Honda needs. He left KTM because the bike wasn't right for him. He joined Honda when everyone was warning him... and today, He is the one who shows the way, with an extremely positive spirit »
Give an official handlebar to zarco in 2026 would not be a simple gesture of recognition: it would be a strategic decision. His experience, his keen understanding of development and his ability to remain motivated in the face of adversity make him an essential driver for the recovery of Honda. The Japanese manufacturer still needs to become fully aware of this... before it is too late.
