Why MotoGP veteran Zarco (Honda) is surprised by the hard-working Japanese

Following the devastating crash in Barcelona, in which Honda-LCR ace Johann Zarco shattered his left knee, quite a few people considered the Frenchman’s career to be over. But instead of calling time on his career, the rider and team announced a determined comeback, which took place surprisingly early at the Aragon GP, partly because the knee transplant that initially seemed essential was not carried out.

Zarco confirmed in Japan that surgery is not planned for the time being. “The situation with my knee is that we don’t need an operation for now. When I’ve finished my career, then yes. My meniscus has shifted – for the sake of my long-term health, that will need sorting out at some point,” said Zarco.

Off to the mountains!

While the Frenchman was on the subject: “I have to say that I’m very pleased with how my rehabilitation has progressed. I’ve had to adjust my training programme – I used to play a lot of paddle tennis, but now I go to the gym more often – but overall, the injury isn’t holding me back on the motorbike. Last week I was out in the mountains on a hiking trip – that did my knee a world of good. I can now really push myself over short distances again.”

Honda erinnert in Motegi an 60 Jahre Engagement in der Königsklasse

Foto: Gold and Goose

The fact that the premier class’s most experienced rider is in good shape is also evidenced by his results since his comeback at MotorLand Aragon. After a break lasting several months, these are nothing short of impressive: Zarco scored points in five of the six races, including in Aragon despite a long lap penalty. Whilst Luca Marini finished 14th at the Austrian Grand Prix behind stand-in Nakagami, Zarco was once again the top Honda rider in 10th place.

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New tarmac at Motegi – but why only there?

Consequently, many in Honda camp are looking to the Frenchman, not least because Motegi specialist Mir – who finished third in last year’s Grand Prix – is absent due to illness and is now being replaced by Superbike rider Chantra. Zarco, on the other hand, looked rather puzzled at the fresh tarmac at the Mobility Resort Motegi: “That’s a surprise. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why, as the surface at Motegi was still in really good condition last year.”

Zarco continued: “At least Taka (Nakagami) has already tested on it with the 1000cc Honda. So we already have some important information – because with the new tarmac, a harder tyre compound will probably be used as well.” With Zarco, Moreira, Marini, Chantra and wildcard rider Nakagami, Honda fields the largest MotoGP contingent at Motegi.

Ahead of FP1, Honda also announced the renewal of its partnership with Red Bull – and the ‘History’ livery marking 60 years of competition in the premier class was unveiled. Honda’s efforts to return to the top of MotoGP are impossible to overlook.