In the second part of our interview with Corentin Perolari in Cartagena, we discuss the Frenchman's season in the World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP) with Honda Racing. The first part, covering his Endurance season with the Japanese manufacturer, is available via this link.
Before we move on to WorldSSP, can you tell us about your relationship with Alan Techer, your teammate on the #5, with whom the collaboration seems ideal?
There's a video from Spa where Alan washes my helmet visor; it's on my Instagram and on Honda Global, and it sums up our relationship perfectly. We're teammates, but also rivals, because we have to go fast. Normally, riders have big egos, but between us, there isn't any. No unhealthy rivalry, and that's what's amazing. It really reflects the spirit in the #5 team between Alan and me. In endurance racing, it's ideal, because internal rivalry is the last thing you need.
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What are your What are your ambitions for 2026 in this championship?
In endurance racing, you have to be on the championship podium at a minimum. I'd really like to win a 24-hour or 8-hour race and string together a series of podium finishes. I don't want to declare myself a title contender, because endurance racing is also about luck and reliability. It's a team sport, not a solo driver's game: everyone has to be on form, the car has to hold up, and we need a bit of luck.
Corentin Perolari invited by Johann Zarco to Cartagena
Let's get down to business: how did your 2025 Supersport season with Honda go?
We didn't do the Australian Grand Prix, so I missed a race I really enjoy. Otherwise, it was a good season, especially for the team's (Team Honda Racing World Supersport, Ed.) first full year in this championship. The team was learning a lot, there were many parameters to adjust. For my part, I made a few small mistakes, but I didn't crash much. I can count them on one hand. Between the minor technical issues and the learning curve, we finished 13th in the championship, with some great moments: at Magny-Cours, I finished less than a second off the podium twice with my little Honda. It's worth remembering, I'm riding a 600cc four-cylinder against 800cc or 900cc three-cylinders, so it's not easy. Overall, I'm really happy.
Are you going back to the same program in 2026?
Yes, I'm starting with exactly the same program: endurance racing with Honda and Supersport with Honda France. The goal is to be in the top 10 as consistently as possible.
To manage both, how do you handle physical preparation and your lifestyle?
Like any driver, I train physically, but I have particularly focused on running; I do a lot of it.
How are you keeping busy this winter?
Actually, the season doesn't really stop… We did some testing at Jerez in late October or early November with the 600 and the Supersport team, then an endurance test at Okayama in Japan just before Christmas, again with Honda. This winter, I'm riding the 600 with my data manager. Anna Carrasco is there too. We're a very small group; I even do the mechanical work (laughs). It's a really family atmosphere; there aren't many of us, and that allows us to prepare well for the season.
A word about Johann Zarco's initiative, who invites you to ride together every winter?
Johann has a huge heart. He always does everything he can to make sure everyone is okay, to help as many French and other drivers as possible. I really appreciate the gesture he makes every year. He's a strong person, both as a person and as a sportsman.
At your level, do you have any advice to take from him?
Of course, at every level, there's advice to be learned. And I think Johann would tell you the same thing, that he also has things to learn from others. I take everything I'm told, especially when it comes from a MotoGP rider. There's a real sense of solidarity among French riders; training together is invaluable.
Corentin Perolari on the track in Cartagena
