While 2024 will not have been a year of MotoGP history for Honda, one positive note emerges: the performance of Johann Zarco. The Frenchman, despite finishing 17th in the championship, distinguished himself as the best rider on the Honda RC213V.
Despite a difficult season that saw him finish 17th in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, Johann zarco, team driver Honda LCR, was hailed for his performance as the best driver Honda. With a notable improvement at the end of the season and an unwavering commitment, zarco and his team leader, David Garcia, are optimistic about the possibility to reach the top 5 in 2025.
After his transfer from Pramac Racing to LCR Honda, zarco had a season marked by challenges on the Honda RC213V. Although results were not spectacular at the start, the latter part of the season showed signs of improvement. The Frenchman regularly made Q2 and scored points in each of the last eight races, with a highlight coming in his 8ᵉ place in Thailand.
These results are all the more significant since Johann zarco had to adapt to an all-new aerodynamic package introduced after the Misano test. According to zarco, this progression is attributable to its unique ability to adapt quickly to a new machine.
David Garcia, team leader of zarco and former mechanic from his Moto2 winning days, praises the uninterrupted commitment and enthusiasm of zarco. " Working with Johann is a pleasure. Unlike many other drivers, his excitement for the sport has never faded. He is as passionate as he was on the first day. " Garcia said in the documentary Team Zarco.
« Johann Zarco has rediscovered this capacity for deep concentration, where he immerses himself completely in the piloting itself »
Garcia also noted a parallel between the recent performances of zarco on Honda and his domination in Moto2. Johann has regained that ability of deep concentration, where he completely immerses himself in the riding itself. It took a while after his move to Honda, but he is now showing an increasing mastery of the machine »
Encouraged by the end of the 2024 season, the team LCR sets ambitious goals for next year. Garcia believes that top 5 results are realistic. In his current form, Johann is capable of reaching the next stage. With the continuity of our technical collaboration, we can aim for even better results. He said.
Johann zarco can also count on stability in its technical team, Garcia remaining at his side in 2025. Meanwhile, several other top drivers like Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez, and Maverick Vinales will still be in a period of adaptation with their new machines.
With a year of adaptation behind him and a growing understanding of the RC213V, zarco looks ready to take on the challenges of 2025. The progress made at the end of the 2024 season, combined with his continued enthusiasm and the support of his team, give hope for a much more competitive campaign. For Johann zarco, 2025 could well mark an exciting new chapter in his career.
