Johann Zarco’s masterful use of wet tyres propelled him to a commanding victory at Sunday’s MotoGP race, showcasing a strategy that left most competitors behind. On a chaotic day marked by shifting weather, only Zarco and Takaaki Nakagami managed to finish without crashing or switching bikes, with Nakagami achieving his best MotoGP result since 2021 by finishing sixth. The race, held in mixed conditions, forced riders into difficult choices, but Zarco’s expert handling of the wet tyre strategy was the clear difference, securing a nearly 20-second win on home soil.
Nakagami, competing as a wild-card with Honda’s test team following his full-time retirement at the end of 2024, was among the eight riders who gambled on wet tyres for the race restart — the same approach Zarco had successfully taken. While others who started on wets abandoned the plan or crashed, Nakagami steadily climbed through the field from the back of the grid. The Japanese rider, who spent his entire seven-season MotoGP career at Zarco’s former LCR team, praised the French rider’s performance.
Nakagami said.
The early stages of the race were marked by confusion, as 13 riders pitted on the sighting lap to switch to slick tyres just before rain returned, forcing them to pit again. Nakagami reflected on the difficult and chaotic start, emphasizing his focus on staying upright and avoiding mistakes.
he explained.
Regarding the mixed conditions and its impact on data collection, Nakagami noted the challenges of testing new setups when weather conditions fluctuate.
he said.
Nakagami, sharing Honda wild-card duties with Aleix Espargaro, is expected to appear at least once more this season, maintaining his connection to the MotoGP paddock despite stepping back from full-time competition. Johann Zarco’s wet tyre race strategy, combined with Nakagami’s perseverance, highlighted the unpredictable nature of weather-affected MotoGP racing and the critical role that smart tyre choices and focused riding play in securing strong finishes.
