Zarco: “We don’t have many more opportunities to ride at 360 km/h”

In Malaysia, Johann Zarco showed good pace on his Honda. He was right up there in the practice sessions and secured 8th on the grid in qualifying. It was only in the races that things didn’t go to plan. The LCR rider finished the MotoGP Sprint in 10th place. In Sunday’s race, he retired just a few laps from the end whilst in a promising position.

This weekend’s action takes place at the Lusail International Circuit – a track that Zarco generally likes very much. However, the last race there was held in April 2025 – the 36-year-old finished that Grand Prix in 4th place. “I remember having a great race here. I’ve got good pace on this track – I hope that’s the case this weekend too,” said the Frenchman. The Qatar Grand Prix is run in the afternoon and in the evening under floodlights, which makes it a special event. “Tyre choice isn’t all that complicated, so we know pretty much exactly how we need to approach the weekend. It’s always something special to race in the afternoon, when the track is scorching hot, and then in the evening, when the conditions are almost perfect.”

Zarco: “I don’t think I’ll ever have a motorbike like this again for the rest of my life”

“Given my performance at Sepang, I’m trying to make the most of this bike’s power, because we don’t have many more races ahead of us where we can reach 350 or 360 km/h,” Zarco said with a smile. “That’s why I want to enjoy it, because I don’t think I’ll ever have a motorbike like this again for the rest of my life.” In 2027, the new MotoGP rockets – with 850 cc, less horsepower and reduced aerodynamics – will be slower, at least on the straights.

A number of riders are missing this weekend. The entire Yamaha squad – comprising Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and test rider Augusto Fernández – is sitting out the Qatar Grand Prix for well-known reasons. Two other fast riders, Alex Márquez (Gresini Ducati) and Joan Mir (Honda), are also absent. “Getting straight into Q2 could be easier than usual, as there are fewer top riders competing here. I think this could be an advantage,” the veteran reckons. “At Sepang, I almost finished seventh. I stayed on Bastianini’s tail, who in turn caught up with Bezzecchi and finished fifth. I feel I rode well there, and I hope I can do the same here.”

Zarco’s physical condition is also looking good: “Physically, I feel good. I was very surprised that the race in Malaysia didn’t completely exhaust me, and that was very positive – even though I didn’t finish the last three laps. So I think that here, on a track that’s easier, I can try to push even harder.”

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06.11.2026 - 10:55