Following a successful Shakedown test at Sepang last week, Johann Zarco shares insights into Honda’s significant progress with its extensively revised 2024 MotoGP bike.
The French rider, transitioning to LCR after a four-year stint with Ducati, secured the third-quickest time out of 13 riders during the Shakedown, trailing only 0.2s behind Pedro Acosta’s KTM.
Zarco expressed his unexpected delight, stating, “I didn’t expect it, so that’s why it’s an even better feeling than I could expect.” He credited Honda’s changes and innovations, particularly those introduced in Valencia, as instrumental in his positive outlook for the upcoming season.
Having moved from Ducati, Zarco confessed that he anticipated a more challenging adjustment to the RC213V, a bike that struggled in the 2023 constructors’ standings. However, the rider, who clinched his first MotoGP victory at Phillip Island last year, is pleasantly surprised by the promising developments.
Johann Zarco emphasized his ability to find enjoyment even in challenging situations, although he currently finds himself in a more positive position than anticipated. He praised Honda’s approach to introducing new elements and expressed satisfaction with the collaborative relationship between LCR and Honda, likening it to his previous experience with Pramac and Ducati.
Notably, Zarco revealed a substantial improvement in Honda’s performance, citing a lap time gain of “at least 7 tenths” between the 2023 and 2024 prototypes in Valencia. He expressed admiration for Marc Marquez’s achievements with the older bike and highlighted the positive developments made by Honda.
Zarco disclosed that, like other Honda riders, he has access to both the 2024 Valencia prototype and another newer bike with a different engine specification at Sepang. He stressed the importance of back-to-back tests to determine the superior performing bike, noting his satisfaction with the Honda’s braking capabilities compared to his previous experience with Ducati.
As the Official Sepang test approaches from February 6-8, Johann Zarco seems optimistic about his new partnership with Honda and the competitive edge the team has gained with the revamped 2024 MotoGP bike.
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