Johann Zarco has been backed for a manufacturing unit Honda trip – however different components have been tipped to return into play.
Zarco was Honda’s finest rider final 12 months from their LCR satellite tv for pc workforce, and has continued his overachieving kind in 2025.
He presently sits sixth within the MotoGP standings after three rounds, having began the marketing campaign with a pair of top-10 grand prix finishes.
Honda’s eye-catching development this season has prompted hypothesis over how coveted their manufacturing unit seat could be in 2026.
Joan Mir is contracted, however teammate Luca Marini’s deal expires on the finish of this 12 months.
Zarco is an apparent candidate to be promoted, whereas KTM’s Pedro Acosta and WSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu have additionally been linked.
Johann Zarco ‘deserves’ Honda MotoGP promotion
Johann Zarco
TNT Sports activities’ Sylvain Guintoli stated about Zarco: “He deserves it. But it surely turns into political.
“In LCR he will get the identical therapy. He will get the identical bike, and he’s received a Honda contract.
“So, for him, it’s extra a query of status. It gained’t change a lot by way of the technical aspect.
“Honda may need to reserve that standing for anyone else, to draw an Acosta or a Toprak.
“Zarco is completely happy and acting at LCR.
“In case you’re Lucio Cechinello and also you’ve received your sponsors, and Zarco is on the bike, you don’t need to let him go.”
Out of the blue, the manufacturing unit Honda alternative in 2026 is fascinating if the producer’s enchancment continues.
“They’ve turned issues round,” Guintoli stated.
“It’s gone from the worst package deal which no one needed to the touch – Ai Ogura, an up-and-coming Japanese rider, didn’t need to go on the bike as a result of he didn’t know if it might be aggressive.
“It’s actually spectacular what they’ve accomplished. Unbelievable.”
LCR boss Cecchinello admitted “Honda will the ultimate phrase” over his workforce’s 2026 rider line-up.
He additionally confused that Zarco would want to alter garages, crew chiefs and workforce which might be a tough problem.
Cecchinello desires to maintain Zarco, who’s now the oldest rider in MotoGP at 34.
