Zarco ahead of his Phillip Island farewell: “It’s good to try something new”

Following Johann Zarco’s horrific crash at the last Catalan Grand Prix, which resulted in a serious knee injury, there were fears that the final Phillip Island Grand Prix would take place without the paddock’s oldest rider. However, the ambitious Frenchman kept his foot on the gas even during his rehabilitation. Zarco was back in action as early as the Aragon GP – well ahead of the second overseas tour. This will mark Zarco’s 17th appearance at the legendary natural circuit – ‘JZ5’ made his debut there in 2009. Only one current rider still has experience on the island – World Champion Marc Márquez made his debut in 2008.

The 36-year-old’s perspective on both Phillip Island and the upcoming move to Adelaide is noteworthy. Zarco in Australia: “Yes – it’s a special circuit with a very nice layout, but we have so many circuits on the calendar that I don’t think about it that much. Phillip Island has hosted many exciting races, but I also think it’s a good idea to try something different next year. Adelaide also presents an opportunity, because we want to show even more people what we do. To introduce MotoGP to a new generation of fans, it was probably the right decision.”

According to Johann Zarco, his employer Honda also made the right decision by confirming that Zarco’s current team-mate, Diogo Moreira, will ride for the Honda HRC Castrol works team in 2027. This means that 20-year-old Moto2 rising star David Alonso will be joining LCR and Zarco. Zarco has already joked about this on social media: “Up until now, I’ve felt like a big brother; soon it’ll be as if I’m a young father.”

The Frenchman commented on his manufacturer’s plans: “I see it exactly the same way. Honda needs two top riders in the factory team. With Fabio, they have a rider who can act as a leader. To be on the safe side when it comes to results, it makes sense to promote Diogo rather than a rookie. He’s proving this year that he can take on this role. David will have to learn a great deal for all of us, despite the new technology. And LCR is the best place for that.”

LCR-Honda-Ass Johann Zarco

Foto: Gold and Goose

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The former champion was asked about the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, which is highly controversial due to the volatile situation there . Zarco’s view is clear: “Of course, the situation is very strange, not least because things seem to have long since returned to normal for the people of Qatar. It is up to the authorities and embassies to decide whether the event can be held safely.”

The LCR rider continued: “We as MotoGP riders aren’t the ones who have to decide on this. The riders can get together and form an opinion on anything to do with riding on the track. But the safety of the track itself isn’t up for debate. It’s about general safety – for technicians, mechanics, members of the press, everyone. We riders are no more important in this regard than anyone else in MotoGP.”

The sporting situation for Johann Zarco, whose last race at Phillip Island ended in the gravel after just a few laps: 17th in the World Championship, eight points behind Franco Morbidelli.