Johann Zarco remains confident that he can still “step up” in MotoGP, even as his career progresses, due to his belief in continual growth and adaptability.
The double Moto2 world champion, who made his MotoGP debut in 2017 with the Tech3 Yamaha team, has had a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. After impressing with semi-regular podium finishes in his first two seasons, Zarco’s career hit a low in 2019 with KTM, nearly ending his time in the premier class. However, a move to Ducati in 2020 provided a new lease on life, culminating in his first MotoGP victory with Pramac Ducati in 2023.
In 2024, Zarco made the switch to Honda with the LCR team, where he quickly became the marque’s leading rider. Despite facing a tough season, Zarco secured Honda’s best result of the year with an eighth-place finish at the Thai Grand Prix and regularly demonstrated impressive one-lap speed.
Reflecting on his career and how he continues to adapt, Zarco spoke about his mindset: “I like to think that way. I’m sure that thinking like this will help me reach the top again. There are riders who are able to keep evolving, and some who can’t. That’s why I don’t want to assume that what I’ve been doing is always right. It was right, but maybe not right enough today.”
Zarco believes that with further mental and physical adjustments, he can make the necessary improvements to climb higher in the standings. “I’m sure some clicks will come, both in my mind and body. And when that happens, I know I’ll step up,” he added.
Zarco is committed to Honda until the end of the 2025 season and finished the 2024 campaign 17th in the points standings, 24 places ahead of his teammate Takaaki Nakagami. Both factory Honda riders, Joan Mir and Luca Marini, found themselves at the bottom of the rankings.
Despite the challenges, Zarco’s resilience and growth mindset remain key to his belief that he can still compete at the highest level in MotoGP.
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