Johann Zarco stormed to a dominant French Grand Prix victory that few would have predicted at a rainy French Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old won by nearly 20 seconds from Marc Marquez, riding for a Honda manufacturer who hadn’t won a race for two years.
Zarco’s race was cleverly strategised and timed to perfection, and despite nearly being taken out on lap one, he held his cool right to the end.
The Frenchman also claimed LCR’s first win since 2023, which came courtesy of Alex Rins. By doing so, he prevented Ducati from breaking Honda’s 27-year record for consecutive MotoGP triumphs (22).
Zarco managed something ‘amazing’ at Le Mans, by lapping nearly one second per lap quicker than the current championship leader.
It helped to make it a home race to remember, and one of the greatest Grand Prix of France events of all time.
READ MORE: MotoGP fans blame ‘nonsense’ rider for nearly ending Johann Zarco’s race at the French Grand Prix
George Russell and Isack Hadjar congratulate Johann Zarco for ‘amazing’ French Grand Prix victory
Zarco now sits sixth in the riders’ championship, and has almost single-handedly lifted Honda to second in the constructors’.
Without him, few would realise the potential harnessed by their bike this season, and just how much they have improved over the winter.
Zarco thinks Luigi Dall’Igna would be ‘proud’, despite riding for the manufacturer that prevented Ducati from taking a remarkable record in France.
Congratulations were shared far and wide, but two Formula 1 drivers took to social media to share their words after the French Grand Prix.
Fellow countryman Isack Hadjar wrote on Instagram, “Champion’s ride all weekend, frero!”, showing just how much it means to those from the homeland.
George Russell also took time to say well done by saying, “Congratulations on winning an amazing MotoGP race!”
READ MORE: LCR rider Johann Zarco admits what ‘I don’t want’ Honda telling him, it ‘doesn’t help’
Why Johann Zarco risks losing his MotoGP seat despite winning the French Grand Prix
Zarco’s performances to start the 2025 campaign have truly been an eye-opener for Honda. Finally, they have a lead rider with experience again.
He’s dependable and consistent, but he may be in the wrong setup. He’s at the satellite LCR team and isn’t the first port of call for development feedback.
With Luca Marini’s contract set to expire ahead of the 2026 season, expect Zarco’s name to be in the conversation to replace him.
Alternatives such as Pedro Acosta and Toprak Razgatlioglu exist, but the Frenchman is likely to be cheaper in any deal.
He also already knows the Honda bike well too, which would save time ahead of the new season. There would be less to familiarise himself with.
