Zarco Sets Sights on Factory Promotion
Johann Zarco believes that earning a factory seat with Honda is a realistic goal. While he’s satisfied with his current treatment at LCR Honda, he’s clearly aiming higher. Encouraged by strong performances in Argentina and Qatar, Zarco is starting to see a podium finish as a real possibility in the near future. Since joining Honda, he has shown impressive consistency and has become an important figure in shaping the development direction of the bike. At 34 years old, his age might raise questions about future opportunities, but based on his form and influence, a factory contract wouldn’t be out of the question.
Zarco says that a factory seat with Honda is within reach. His relationship with LCR Team Principal Lucio Cecchinello is strong, and while the environment at LCR is excellent, he acknowledges that a factory seat is the ultimate goal for any rider. He adds that being the fastest Honda rider is logically the best way to increase his chances.
Reflecting on his second season with LCR, Zarco notes that his results have exceeded expectations. He singles out the race in Argentina as especially positive and sees promising signs in Qatar as well. With consistent performances near the front, he believes a podium is now within reach and hopes to achieve one soon.
He praises Honda’s work ethic and says he feels the team’s growing trust in his ability. That trust, he says, is crucial for building confidence. Technically, all factory updates are being delivered equally across three bikes, including his. The collective effort is focused on improving top speed and engine power—two areas that, if lacking, make it difficult to attack or defend positions, and cost time on the straights.
Despite these challenges, Zarco says he enjoys being the only non-Ducati rider who can still put pressure on the Ducati bikes. He even suggests that Ducati technical boss Gigi Dall’Igna might be impressed by his adaptability.