At 35, Johann Zarco is the oldest rider on the MotoGP grid… but also one of the most secure riders for the future. While almost the entire grid will see their contracts expire at the end of 2026, the Frenchman is the only one to have already confirmed his presence in 2027, at the heart of the 850cc revolution spearheaded by Pirelli.
And it is not a hazard. zarco insisted to Honda to secure this two-year extension, negotiated at breakneck speed during the summer break.
« I really wanted the chance to compete in the 2027 season. With the new regulations and new tires, there will be unforeseen situations which, thanks to my experience, will give me chances to get on more podiums, or even win more races. " he explains bluntly.
For zarcoThe coming years are not the end of his career: they represent his best opportunity in a long time.
zarco He knows: when a new technical formula arrives, the cards are brutally reshuffled.
He doesn't just want to accompany Honda In this phase: he wants to take advantage of it.
« I still believe I can be a top-level pilotWith good work and increasingly intense sensations on the motorcycle, my motivation continues to grow »
This is precisely where his profile becomes valuable: calm, analytical, experienced… and always quick.
Johann Zarco, experience as the ultimate weapon: from rebound to key rider
And his career MotoGP It wasn't all smooth sailing: immediate podium finishes at Tech3 Yamaha, black hole at KTM in 2019, renaissance Ducati with a victory in 2023 at Phillip Island.
Then, the natural leader of the project Honda Reconstruction version. In 2025, he gave HRC their first post-Marquez victory. at Le MansHe finished as the best driver. Honda in the championship (12th), ahead Luca marini.
He also helped defend the brand's title at the Suzuka 8 Hoursreminding everyone that he remains a reliable player in all the categories he enters.
Development testing is now permitted, but no prototypes are allowed. 850 cc has not yet been shown publicly.
Here again, zarco He sees an opportunity: the bigger the secrets… the bigger the surprises can be. The Frenchman will be the anchor of a completely reinvented project: new engine, new aerodynamics, new tires, new data to explore.
Honda needs a guide to weather the regulatory storm. And zarco wants to navigate through the heart of the cyclone.
Where many see 2027 as the end of an era… Johann zarco He sees this as the start of his best chance. He has secured his future. Honda will entrust him with the present. The question remains… how far can this alliance take them?
