Johann Zarco, the French MotoGP rider, has made headlines recently after deciding to leave the factory Yamaha squad. This comes after a two-year works deal with Honda, during which Zarco felt a lack of support from the Japanese manufacturer. The decision has sparked much speculation about his next move in the MotoGP world.
During the British Grand Prix weekend, rumors started swirling about Zarco potentially joining the vacant LCR seat. However, these rumors were put to rest when French television network Canal+ wrongly announced that a deal had been done. In reality, Zarco was simply considering offers from both Honda and his current manufacturer, Ducati.
Marc Marquez, one of Honda’s star riders, was asked about the possibility of Zarco joining the Honda stable. Despite the competition it may bring, Marquez welcomed the idea of having a fast and experienced rider like Zarco on the team. Marquez expressed his indifference about who would take the other Honda seat at LCR, stating that his focus is on his own performance.
Zarco himself hopes to have his future decided by the end of Sunday in order to regain his focus on the rest of the season. He sees merit in both Honda’s and Ducati’s proposals, but he’s hesitant about a potential move to World Superbikes (WSBK). Given his competitive edge in MotoGP, Zarco does not see WSBK as the right move for him at this stage in his career.
Honda has presented Zarco with a two-year deal, with an option for a third year in 2024. This offer includes the opportunity for Zarco to provide valuable feedback and help develop the MotoGP bike. Considering his consistency and experience, Zarco believes he can make significant contributions to Honda’s MotoGP project.
On the other hand, Ducati has proposed a one-year contract that would keep Zarco at Pramac for the time being. However, the Italian manufacturer envisions Zarco joining its World Superbike project in 2025. While Zarco recognizes the merit in this idea, he is hesitant to leave MotoGP while he is still performing well. He acknowledges that both MotoGP and Superbikes offer winning bikes, but he still believes he has the ability to win races in MotoGP.
With two clear offers on the table, Zarco finds himself at a crossroads. He understands the significance of making a decision, as it will determine the trajectory of his career in the coming years. While he had been contemplating his options for a week prior to receiving the official proposals, Zarco is cautious about rushing the decision and wants to make sure he is in the right mindset when choosing his future.
Johann Zarco’s departure from Yamaha has opened up new opportunities for him. With offers from Honda and Ducati, Zarco must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. While Honda offers a long-term project in MotoGP and the chance to contribute to bike development, Ducati presents the opportunity to join their World Superbike project in the future. Zarco’s decision will ultimately shape his career in MotoGP or potentially lead him on a new path in Superbikes. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that Zarco’s talent and experience are highly sought after in the world of motorcycle racing.
Leave a Reply