In a surprising development, French rider Johann Zarco’s future in MotoGP has come under serious doubt as Honda reportedly plans to steer him toward the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) starting in 2026. This unexpected shift follows Zarco’s contract with LCR nearing its end and marks a potential turning point in the MotoGP Zarco Honda WorldSBK shift saga.
Honda’s Strategy Shift After Zarco’s Suzuki Endurance Success
Reports indicate that Honda’s decision stems from Zarco’s standout performance on the CBR1000RR-R at the renowned 8 Hours of Suzuka endurance race, where his skills impressed key Honda figures. At 35 years old, Zarco moving to WorldSBK is seen as a safer long-term choice compared to extending his MotoGP career for another two seasons. The Japanese manufacturer values his vast experience and envisions him spearheading their Superbike program.
Rider Lineup Changes and Opportunities in the MotoGP Paddock
Honda has already selected Jake Dixon as part of their WorldSBK campaign, but the team seeks a high-profile rider to lead the effort. Zarco’s potential transition could disrupt the current MotoGP grid significantly, with Miguel Oliveira standing to gain if Zarco vacates his LCR seat. Oliveira, currently without a clear future after being sidelined by Yamaha, is reportedly in discussions with both Aprilia and Honda, making him a strong candidate for a temporary or permanent MotoGP return amid the upcoming large-scale rider market in 2027.
Zarco’s Frustrations Highlight Growing Divide with Honda Factory Team
Behind the scenes, Zarco has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with Honda’s treatment of his bike setup, revealing at Balaton Park that his machine has not received the same updates as the factory riders. He stated,
Honda has decided to change nothing on my bike, which means mine is different from the factory riders. They have new parts that I don’t.
—Johann Zarco, MotoGP Rider
This inequality has fueled rumors that Zarco might not remain a long-term fixture in MotoGP and could be encouraged to take a lead role elsewhere within Honda’s racing strategy.
Implications for Zarco and the Future of Honda’s Racing Plans
If Honda’s plans proceed, Zarco’s move to WorldSBK would represent a significant career transition from MotoGP’s elite class to superbike competition. Meanwhile, Oliveira’s potential return to MotoGP as a stopgap rider could reshape team compositions across manufacturers. The shifting dynamics point to a major reshuffle within Honda and the broader MotoGP landscape in the coming years.
This evolving situation underscores the intense competition among top riders and manufacturers and highlights Honda’s strategic recalibration focusing on its Superbike program while managing talent across racing platforms.
