MotoGP: Zarco Believes Honda is Finally Competing in the Same League

Johann Zarco’s Performance at the Australian Grand Prix

In a challenging race at the Australian Grand Prix held at the scenic Phillip Island, Johann Zarco crossed the finish line in the 12th position. However, the French rider was particularly excited about the remarkable pace his Honda motorcycle exhibited throughout the competition. This performance has allowed him to compete more effectively against rival manufacturers—something that seemed nearly impossible just a few weeks ago.

A Close Encounter with Quartararo

Zarco reflected on a pivotal moment during the race, stating, “When I passed Quartararo, I expected to extend my lead over him and stay close to Jack, possibly making a move on him later. However, Quartararo found a second wind that was truly impressive. He overtook me, and then got ahead of Jack and Raúl Fernández too. I found it tough to push beyond my best lap time of 1’28″7; it was simply hard to improve further.” Despite the intense competition, Zarco expressed satisfaction with his performance, even though he couldn’t find the optimal chance to overtake Jack Miller during the closing laps.

Continued Progress for Honda

The French rider noted a palpable sense of positive momentum with each passing race. “What stands out for me is Honda’s noticeable improvement. They’ve made real strides lately,” Zarco remarked, acknowledging the advancements introduced at Misano that have reinvigorated the brand’s competitive spirit. “I was keen to see how we would perform on a larger circuit with less acceleration, and I believe we fought much better here compared to Motegi. The difference can often be slight: a solid qualifying session, positioning during practice, and staying competitive in Q1 instead of missing out on Q2. We now think about making it to Q2 far more than we did a few months ago. I’m uncertain what the next step will be, but we’ve returned to the fray and are competing in the same league again,” he observed enthusiastically.

A New Category of Competition

Zarco emphasized the dramatic transformation in his competitive landscape. “Just a few months ago, it felt as if we weren’t even competing in the same league,” he reminded fans and analysts alike. “Today, we were right there with the others; only the top two riders had extraordinary performances. We finished just ten seconds behind Pecco [Bagnaia], which is definitely a step in the right direction,” Zarco articulated, pleased to regain his competitive rhythm aboard the Honda and once again engage in battles with other brands.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, Johann Zarco remains hopeful and energized about his future results, driven by the constant improvements Honda has made. With each race, the potential for even greater success looms ever closer, and Zarco is ready to seize the moment in the fight for championship points. This revamped competitive edge could mark a significant turning point in his 2023 campaign.