After a serious crash in Barcelona: Johann Zarco (Honda) back on the bike

The MotoGP World Championship resumes on 28 August with the Grand Prix at MotorLand Aragon in Spain. LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco will not be taking part there. The 36-year-old Frenchman has been replaced since the Mugello round by British veteran Cal Crutchlow (40) – who himself rode for LCR for several years – due to the serious knee injury he sustained in Barcelona in May.

A few days ago, Zarco got back on a motorbike for the first time since his crash and trained in Andorra on a Honda Supermoto bike. The two-time Moto2 World Champion is eager to get back on the MotoGP Honda – but he must continue to rein in his enthusiasm for the time being. “Last week I got back on a motorbike. I rode a Supermoto bike so that the riding position would be more comfortable. I tested my knee step by step whilst doing so,” reported Zarco.

Patience is the magic word

Zarco’s delight was evident: “It was really enjoyable to do a few laps and get my body back into the rhythm of riding. I’m focused on doing the right things and managing the intensity of the sessions well, because pain can occur and the knee can swell up again, though that’s normal at this stage.”

“The knee needs to be trained and stimulated step by step. It’s really important to manage the swelling carefully so that the healing process goes smoothly,” Zarco continued. “I can say that I’m happy. I’m approaching this with patience – that’s the most important thing with this challenge. The target is still September and I’m working hard to achieve this in the best possible condition.”

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