Johann Zarco is set for a second consecutive season with LCR Honda in the MotoGP World Championship in 2025.
The Frenchman will begin his ninth season in the premier class having spent most of his career as a satellite Ducati rider.
Zarco Joined from LCR Honda Sponsorama Racing in 2020 – 2019 three years.
During that time, the 34-year-old was regularly at the top of the points standings and scored several podiums, with 2023 his best season to date. Zarco took his first MotoGP win at the Australian Grand Prix as well as six podiums in the Riders’ Championship, finishing fifth with 225 points.
Despite this success, the Frenchman opted to leave the team and join LCR Honda for the 2024 season, with journalist Val Khorunziy pointing out that there was a ‘big’ reason behind his decision.
Johan Zarco feels he is worth more with LCR Honda’s salary offer compared to Ducati.
Speaking on the Race MotoGP podcast, Khorounzhiy said Zarco felt he had more value in LCR Honda’s offering compared to Ducati, and that’s why he chose to return to the Monegasque team.
His current team was willing to spend a lot of money to secure his services. And away from MotoGP, he cemented his relationship with Honda by winning the Suzuka Eight Hours in July.
“You only need enough to live comfortably, but if you’re very competitive and you’re being told how great you are all your life, the money you’re being paid is a big sign of that.
“What is this manufacturer willing to pay me? What is this satellite group ready to pay? It shows how much they want me, it shows how valuable I am compared to my peers.
“That’s why I say Yohan Zarco is an LCR Honda rider and not a Ducati satellite rider. The price and money show is a big part of that.
Can Johan Zarco improve on a disappointing 2024 season in 2025?
Although the move to LCR Honda cost him more financially, Zarco went from his best MotoGP finish in 2023 to one of his worst in 2024.
The 34-year-old striker’s scoring was routine as he failed to score just six times. However, Zarco finished 17th in the Riders’ Championship with 55 points, just one behind teammate Takaki Nakagami with 24.
The Frenchman is determined to return to the front of the field in 2025, but will face a tough challenge against the Ducati and Aprilia racers. Zarco finished as the top Honda rider in 2024.
The 34-year-old will partner with Somkyat Chandra in 2025 at LCR Honda. The Thai rider will make his debut in the premier class after stepping up from Moto2.
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