While he had not hidden his desire to pilot for the official Honda team in 2026, Johann Zarco will not see his wish to be granted. If he extended his contract for two years, he saw Luca Marini keep his handlebars for next season.
Johann Zarco’s foot call was not heard. Upstream of the last Hungary Grand Prix, the Cannes had affirmed in an interview with Canal +
That his ambition was to pilot for the official Honda team in 2026 after two seasons within the LCR training. With his victory during the Grand Prix de France and a series of very good results, the former double Moto2 world champion had arguments to assert but that did not weigh in the minds of the leaders of the Hamamatsu firm.
Indeed, while Joan Mir is still under contract for the financial year 2026, The Japanese team ended the suspense concerning the fate of Luca Marini. While his commitment was expired at the end of the current season, the half-brother of Valentino Rossi affixed his signature on an extension of his contract for an additional year, until the end of 2026. “” I’m really happy to make this announcement and stay with the Honda stable “”said the Italian pilot in a statement. Claiming to succeed
“A good season so far”Italian counts
“Continue to move forward until the last round in Valence”.
Zarco maintained by Honda at LCR
Consequently, Johann Zarco sees the doors of the Honda official team closing in front of him. However, The French pilot retains the confidence of the Japanese manufacturer. Indeed, he has extended his contract for the next two seasons and will remain on the handlebars of a motorcycle entrusted to the Italian LCR stable, led by Lucio Cecchinello. “” I am very happy to confirm that I will stay at LCR for the next two yearssaid the recent winner of the 8 hours of Suzuka with the Japanese brand in a press release. This is important, because we have major objectives to achieve and great opportunities to seize by 2027. ” A confidence renewed by the Hamamatsu firm that the Cannois did not expect when he joined his ranks for the 2024 season.
“I did not expect to find this second breath which gave me the energy necessary to get a new two -year contract with them”he launched. Two next seasons, which will see the introduction of a new technical regulations from 2027, which Johann Zarco approaches with ambition. “” We have already won a victory with Lucio Cecchinello and the team, and it would be fantastic to relive this experiencehe added. We are therefore determined to continue giving everything to obtain excellent results. »»
