Who is LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco? Everything you need to know from career stats to net worth

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Johann Zarco is one of France’s most successful riders in Grand Prix history, so here is everything you need to know about him.

After winning the inaugural season of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2007, Zarco competed in the 125cc World Championship between 2009 and 2011 before making the step up to Moto2 in 2012.

The Frenchman went on to become a double world champion in the intermediate class, winning his championships consecutively in 2015 and 2016. His 2015 triumph also saw Zarco set a points record for Moto2, winning the title with 352 points.

Zarco’s debut on the MotoGP grid then followed in 2017 with the Tech3 team on a Yamaha bike, where he spent two seasons before sealing a factory ride with KTM in 2019. But the Frenchman’s spell with KTM would not last the year before Zarco’s first stint with LCR.

Johann Zarco set the Moto2 Championship points record in 2015

After winning the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2007 with four wins and seven podiums from eight races, Zarco made his Grand Prix debut in the 125cc World Championship in 2009. He spent three years in the championship, achieving a best finish of second in 2011 with one win and 11 podiums.

Zarco made the step up to Moto2 in 2012 with JiR on a Motobi bike, finishing 10th in the season. The Frenchman switched to Suter for 2013 and 2014 but it failed to yield much success, grabbing six podiums in that time and registering a best finish of sixth in the standings.

It was not until Zarco moved to Ajo Motorsport on a Kalex bike in 2015 that he began to stamp his authority. Securing eight wins and 14 podiums in his first season with the team, he won the title with 352 points – a record for the intermediate class.

Failing to secure a move to MotoGP for 2016, Zarco stayed in Moto2 and defended his title with seven wins and 10 podiums. He became the first back-to-back champion in the intermediate class since Jorge Lorenzo in 2006 and 2007.

Johann Zarco joined LCR Honda in 2024 after spending four years as a factory Ducati rider

Zarco finally got his chance in MotoGP in 2017 with Monster Yamaha Tech3, whom he spent two seasons with. In both seasons, the Frenchman grabbed three podiums, two pole positions and finished sixth in the Riders’ Championship.

Zarco moved to KTM in 2019 with the factory team. However, he was released from his contract after just 13 Grand Prix, with KTM citing a negative attitude as the reason for his departure. The Frenchman joined LCR Honda for the final three races of the season as he finished the year 18th with just one top 10 finish.

In 2020, Zarco became a satellite Ducati rider for Esponsorama Racing, finishing 13th in the standings before moving to Pramac the following year. It was there that the Frenchman managed to find his stride in MotoGP, scoring consistent top 10 finishes and podiums in his three seasons with the team.

The 2023 season saw Zarco finally achieve his first victory in the premier class, winning the Australian Grand Prix from fifth on the grid. He finished the season fifth in the standings with 252 points – his highest points tally up to that point.

Despite his success with Pramac, Zarco opted to leave the team for 2024 and rejoined LCR Honda after they offered him a better salary. The Frenchman did not reach the same heights as the previous year as he only finished in the top 10 twice all year.

But who really is Zarco and what is the LCR Honda rider’s life outside of the MotoGP grid truly like? With that in mind, MotoGP News takes a deep dive into everything that you need to know about Zarco…

Who is Johann Zarco?

Johann Zarco is a French motorcycle racer who competes in MotoGP with LCR Honda. He is a double Moto2 world champion after winning the title in 2015 and 2016.

How old is Johann Zarco? Where was he born and what is his nationality?

At the time of writing, Zarco is 35 years old and was born on 16 July, 1990.

Zarco was born in Cannes, which is a city in the south east of France on the French Riviera. Cannes is known globally for annually hosting the international film festival.

How tall is Johann Zarco and how much does he weigh?

Zarco is around the average height for a MotoGP rider at 1.71m (5ft 6in) tall, with just six riders measuring in shorter.

The Frenchman is also one of the heavier riders on the 2025 grid, weighing 68kg (10st 9lbs), which is the same as Franco Morbidelli and Alex Rins.

How good is Johann Zarco? What‘s been said about him?

Zarco received praise from several key figures in MotoGP after securing his maiden victory in Australia in 2023. After all he achieved in Moto2, many of his colleagues were delighted to see him take the top step of the podium.

“He deserved the victory,” said 2024 champion Jorge Martin. “I’m so happy for the team and for him.”

Zarco’s manager Gino Borsoi added: “We never lost trust in him and now he has achieved his dream. When you never give up, you reach your targets. Today was his day.”

Six-time champion Marc Marquez said: “Johann is really a talented rider. He is a two-time Moto2 World Champion. He deserves at least one victory. It was strange that a rider like him didn’t win before, but today he achieved it.”

Johann Zarco’s net worth

No reputable publication currently cites a net worth for Johann Zarco. But reports place his net worth in the region of £4.8m.

What is Johann Zarco’s rider number and why did he choose it?

Johann Zarco has raced with the number 5 since 2011. The Frenchman selected the number as a tribute to his former manager, Laurent Fellon, who used the number in the 80s.

Johann Zarco’s career stats

As of the end of the 2024 season, Zarco is a two-time Moto2 world champion. He has only won one Grand Prix in MotoGP since joining the premier class in 2017.