In an exciting development in the world of MotoGP, Johann Zarco is in negotiations with Honda concerning his contract for the 2026 season. The discussions are still in their early stages, according to Lucio Cecchinello, boss of the LCR MotoGP team. Zarco, who joined Honda’s LCR team last year, has been a standout performer, and both parties express hope for a continued partnership. The 34-year-old Frenchman’s two-year deal aligns him with Honda through 2025, sparking interest in his potential future with the team.
Zarco has proven to be a revelation for Honda, becoming the brand’s leading rider last season and maintaining an impressive form into 2025. Currently sitting sixth in points prior to the Spanish Grand Prix, Zarco delivered Honda’s first top-five finish since 2023 at the recent Qatar GP. This strong performance highlights his value to Honda, further fueling anticipation surrounding his contract talks.
The French rider has openly expressed a desire to extend his stay with Honda, hinting at a possible move to the factory team in 2026. Cecchinello reinforced the importance of retaining Zarco, suggesting it aligns with Honda’s goals to maintain competitive riders within their fold. “Well, I feel that Honda sees our team as a family,” Cecchinello shared, emphasizing the strong support from Honda to the LCR outfit.
Despite the promising start to negotiations, Cecchinello remains cautiously optimistic, expressing, “We’ll be very pleased if Zarco can consider staying here, also for the future. But we don’t know, his negotiations with Honda have just started. So, we’ll see.”
Zarco’s performance in the Qatar GP, placing fourth after a penalty promoted his position, showcases Honda’s capability to challenge for the podium. The upcoming Spanish GP at Jerez presents another opportunity for Honda to demonstrate its potential, especially as the circuit’s layout may benefit the RC213V’s characteristics. Cecchinello, however, urged caution in expectations, acknowledging the fierce competition in MotoGP.
“Well, definitely we’ve been very happy, very satisfied with how Johann rode the bike,” Cecchinello remarked, highlighting the team’s effective collaboration and efforts that allowed Zarco to excel. As the season progresses, maintaining their position among the top teams is a priority, especially with key races at known tracks like Mugello approaching.
As talks progress, fans eagerly await updates on Johann Zarco’s potential future with Honda, a partnership that promises competitive races and podium finishes. The unfolding negotiations could significantly impact MotoGP’s landscape, as Zarco continues to prove his mettle on the track.
