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Johann Zarco, the winner of the MotoGP race, confesses that he is not afraid of losing his unique riding style at LCR Honda after switching from Pramac Ducati for the 2024 season. After spending four years with the Italian manufacturer, competing for both Avintia and Pramac teams, Zarco made the leap and joined LCR at Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). In light of HRC’s recent difficulties, which have affected both factory and LCR bikes, Zarco aims to help the Japanese brand regain its position in the rankings. This bold move by the Frenchman is compared to his transfer from Yamaha Tech3 to KTM in 2019, a move that did not result in a full season for him. However, Zarco is not worried about a similar outcome at LCR, as his experience with Ducati has prepared him for the challenges ahead. He explains: “I was apprehensive when I switched from Yamaha to KTM. That’s why I left KTM, because I was really concerned about losing my skills. But now, I no longer have that fear because of what I learned at Ducati. I have several reference points that allow me to assess the situation more accurately. Thanks to this, I can split my attention between the potential of the bike, my current position, and where I can be in the future.” When asked about his confidence in the project, Zarco responds: “It’s a valid question, but due to my age and experience, I know I can trust the project. I am willing to be patient and wait for results because I have enough experience to maintain that confidence.” Zarco’s performance in Qatar was impressive, as he finished 12th, the highest-ranked Honda rider, ahead of Joan Mir and Luca Marini, the factory Honda riders. Despite Honda’s lack of progress during the winter, Zarco remains optimistic that LCR is close enough to consistently fight for points. He explains: “When I was with KTM, I couldn’t even compete. But now, even if we are fighting for positions around 12th, 13th, or 14th, it still means something because the competition is so fierce. So, we are not out of the game. That’s why this challenge is really significant. I am happy to accept it because I believe I will not lose control of myself.”
