Two-time MotoGP race winner Johann Zarco believes that a step into Honda’s factory team in 2026 is still possible, but he appreciates where he can become a “leader” for HRC.
The French chose to leave Pramac’s Ducati, and thus signed a two-year contract with Honda to join the LCR from the 2024 season, in a move that raised eyebrows from the 2024 season.
Despite the toughness of 2024 for Honda, Johann Zarco was a major rider at the end of the campaign, and was clearly number one in 2025.
With a top five results in dry within the first four rounds, Zarco ended the drought of Honda’s two-year victory when he won the rain hit French Grand Prix.
With a contract at the end of this year, Zarco has not kept his desire to join Honda’s factory team next season.
This seat is High Demand, and Pedro Acosta is not only linked to it, but also like world champion Jorge Martin.
In an exclusive interview with British Grand Prix’s Crash.Net, Zarco is confident that he will be able to secure seating for the Honda Factory team in 2026.
However, the main focus of his discussion is now focused on where he can best act as Honda’s team leader and assess the status of the project in the upcoming LCR.
“Yes, but we’re really talking with Lucio about the HRC and what’s going to be the best,” he said when asked if the factory team sheets were still realistic given recent rumours.
“I know that even an LCR team can have the best bikes.
“But this position as Honda’s leader certainly has to be held responsible for this position on the HRC team.
“Can I keep this position on the LCR team?
“It’s really what we’re trying to balance.
“The situation is, I can continue with Honda and that’s already the main thing.
“But it’s good that we don’t have to hide things between each other: Lucio, Honda, myself.
“So we’re trying to evaluate what (the best for me) is and our Honda project with Lucio.
“So, that’s what we’re talking about now.”