Let's talk MotoGP: The gods have chosen Johann Zarco

At the 24 Hours, it is often said that "Le Mans chooses its winners." In general, I don't like these adages that are brought out at every turn; firstly, it's annoying to hear them all day long, but also because, if it's true, then Le Mans generally chooses pretty badly. However, this time, I have the impression that the gods of MotoGP were on Johann Zarco's side, that his victory was written as it was both improbable and certain.

 

A feat

 

At Le Mans, Zarco honored the public's love. It had been since 1954 that a French driver had won on home soil in the premier class, and the wait had been very long. In recent years, there have been many disappointments at Le Mans, despite several pole positions achieved by Fabio Quartararo and Zarco.. In fact, Le Mans was the circuit where a Zarco feat seemed most unlikely to me, because he had never won there in his career.

 

 

Starting 11th, he was directly involved in the collision between Pecco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini. Forced to cut the gravel trap at the Dunlop chicane, he came out at the back of the pack, but, unlike the riders in front, Johann had made the right tire choice by fitting grooved tiresAfter the favorites' pit stop, he was in the lead, and that's when the festival began.

Marc Marquez was about eight seconds behind. In order to logically prioritize the championship, the eight-time world champion preferred to slow down. Honestly, given Johann's strength, I don't think he would have even caught him. His victory was obvious, nothing could prevent him from triumphing.

In the end, the official Ducati rider finished 20 seconds behind, very far behind. Yes, we know that Marquez didn't want to try anything, but I find this gap striking; I imagine that Johann Zarco wasn't attacking as if his life depended on it either. In the end, I think he saw Lucio Cecchinello begging him to slow down on the pitwall, so he probably had some room for manoeuvre, even if it remains very relative in these conditions – as evidenced by the two totally unexpected errors made by Alex Marquez.

 

 

Honestly, I take my hat off to Johann Zarco. He was absolutely monstrous, a model of resilience and determination. This guy never gives up and stays authentic; I think that's why he appeals so much to French fans, but not only that – his victory was celebrated all over the world.

 

Can we learn anything from this?

 

Unfortunately, I think it's difficult to extract any tangible lessons from this. Up until the start, Honda hadn't had a great weekend, and this victory, as wonderful as it was, remains circumstantial. A bit like Binder's victory in Austria in 2021, if you will: It's beautiful, but not representative of Honda's progress.We know that the winged firm has improved, helped in particular by very advantageous concessions, but it would be unreasonable to expect this kind of results regularly – unless Mother Nature cries again.

 

 

Zarco, Cecchinello, and all the Honda employees know that they just have to celebrate, without trying to draw too many conclusions. I still remember another resounding victory, that of Alex Rins at the 2023 United States Grand Prix. The Spaniard, excellent over two days, won in the dry and that didn't stop Honda from having an absolutely catastrophic season..

On the other hand, I think it will favor Johann Zarco's move to the official team. I've been saying it since the beginning of last year, but I still don't understand why he's not alongside Luca Marini. Well, maybe we can guess. As Sylvain Guintoli pointed out, it wouldn't necessarily bring a plus in terms of technical potential, because he does his job very well at LCR. But being a Honda factory rider is a prestigious position; I don't see how HRC can leave its clear best player to a private team. Whether it's for the brand image, the sponsors, and everything else. Afterwards, it may be Johann Zarco's wish, and in this case, we can only respect it..

 

The greatest French victory in MotoGP?

 

To conclude, a little historical debate. Is this the finest French victory in the premier class? The finest of the 21st century, for sure, in my opinion. On the other hand, I find that the context and the unfolding of the 1985 German 500cc Grand Prix with this triumph of Christian Sarron is even more iconic, even if it wasn't in France. In any case, it's an interesting debate..

How did you experience this crazy day? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport