Johann Zarco (LCR Honda) ahead of his comeback in Aragon: “I’m hooked!”

There is great relief at LCR Honda: Johann Zarco is back. On 17 May, during the second race of the Catalan Grand Prix, the Frenchman’s left leg became entangled in Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati at Turn 1 and he was hurled through the gravel like a rag doll. The result: damage to both cruciate ligaments, an injury to the medial meniscus and a fracture of the fibula. As severe burns prevented surgery, conservative treatment was opted for. “It’s great to be back,” the overjoyed Frenchman said on Thursday, sharing his delight. “It was lovely to see such rapid improvement. It was faster than I could have expected.”

Zarco’s knee after the Barcelona crash: recovery faster than expected

The decisive test was getting back on the motorbike – first on a Supermoto, later on a Honda Superbike. “Step by step, this became a clear confirmation that I can return at Aragon – without any pressure,” said the 36-year-old. He said the feeling in his left leg was good, but that getting back to 100 per cent would take time. He applies a particular standard here: “I’m not a footballer or a skier. As a motorbike racer, the condition I’m in is more than enough to get back on the bike.”

Given the severity of his injuries, it would have been hard to imagine that Zarco would need only three months to get back on a MotoGP bike. “Fortunately, the break was only three months – long, but not long enough to lose all the skills I’ve got. It won’t be difficult; it’ll be a pleasure. I’m addicted to speed!”

Family, mindset and Honda: what the enforced break changed

Mentally, the break was easier than feared. “I’ve been racing for 17 years, and since 2008 I’d never had a single month at home with my family,” said Zarco, reflecting on a period centred around training and rehab. “My mind was so busy that I never had time to say I felt down or that I’d miss the world.”

He has taken away one important realisation, prompted by the struggles of his HRC team-mates. “When I saw the Honda lads battling it out, I didn’t miss a moment of it. I’m still dreaming of racing and want to compete to achieve great results.” In the World Championship standings, despite his injury lay-off, he sits in 17th place with 34 points – ahead of Joan Mir, Maverick Viñales and three Yamaha factory riders. There is one fly in the ointment, however: Zarco was deemed to have caused the crash at the start in Barcelona, which is why he must serve a double long-lap penalty in the first Grand Prix following his return.

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29.08.2026 - 08:35