And to top it all off: unlucky Johann Zarco receives a double long-lap penalty

Just a few days ago, the LCR Honda team provided an update on Johann Zarco’s condition – the Frenchman will not return to the track until September. As a reminder, Zarco sustained serious knee injuries and a minor fracture to his fibula in his devastating crash in Barcelona in mid-May. Since the crash in Barcelona, Zarco has been working on his recovery.

He had to miss the Grands Prix at Mugello, Balaton Park, Brno and Assen. Zarco will also be absent from the race weekends at the Sachsenring, Silverstone and Aragon at the end of August. The veteran rider will make his comeback at the San Marino Grand Prix at the earliest, which takes place from 11 to 13 September at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

As if his return in September weren’t difficult enough, Zarco has now also been handed a double long-lap penalty, which he must serve upon his comeback (in the Grand Prix). The reason: Zarco caused the crash at the first corner in Barcelona, which involved himself, Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati) and Luca Marini (Honda). Curiously, the penalty was not imposed until the Thursday before the German Grand Prix.

During the crash at Turn 1 in Barcelona, Zarco was swept along in Luca Marini’s slipstream and was unable to brake in time to avoid the Italian. The 35-year-old’s leg then became wedged in the rear of Bagnaia’s Ducati. The oldest MotoGP rider remained attached to the red Desmosedici until the final impact in the gravel.

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10.07.2026 - 08:55