Johann Zarco now ‘very positive’ about issue that has plagued Honda throughout the 2025 MotoGP season

Add as preferred source on Google

Johann Zarco nearly ended Honda’s two-year wait to return to the MotoGP podium at the Grand Prix of Qatar with a fantastic performance.

The Frenchman crossed the line in fifth but found himself promoted by one position after a post-race penalty for Maverick Vinales, who fell foul of MotoGP’s tyre pressure rules.

It’s confirmation that Honda are back and are going to be contenders for the top five at most events this season.

For Zarco, it’s another Sunday which proves why he deserves a promotion to the factory outfit from LCR for 2026.

Zarco got ‘very angry’ at his Honda bike despite prior successes in Thailand and Argentina. He knows that there is yet more pace to be unlocked from the machine.

However, entering the season, Zarco felt Honda had a ‘disadvantage’ which appears to have settled. They appear to look as fast as they were back in 2022.

READ MORE: Johann Zarco explains ‘important’ point to prove amid uncertain MotoGP future

Johann Zarco ‘very positive’ about Honda’s bike vibrations in 2025

Zarco now sits sixth in the riders’ standings after four races – something very few people would have predicted before the season.

Honda deserves a lot of credit for the turnaround over the winter. They’ve completely turned their operation on its head. Their French satellite rider was upbeat after Qatar.

“I said that if we didn’t have any vibration issues on Sunday, I thought I could have a good race and be with the leaders,” he told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com.

“That’s exactly what happened, so I’m very happy. We had some vibrations, but they were under control. I managed to manage the riding a bit to limit the problem.

“It’s very positive to confirm that the speed is coming and that things are under control. It’s not easy, but we are building our performance.”

READ MORE: Luigi Dall’Igna and Johann Zarco agree on ‘wild’ MotoGP struggler after Americas Grand Prix

Why Johann Zarco deserves a Honda promotion for the 2026 MotoGP season

Zarco is four places ahead of the next Honda-contracted rider in the standings, with Luca Marini down in 10th place with 12 fewer points.

Both Joan Mir and Somkiat Chantra on the other two Honda bikes have been incredibly underwhelming this season, collecting just 10 points between them.

The Japanese manufacturer sits second in the constructors’ championship, six points ahead of Yamaha and in a strong position.

If they want to consolidate that moving forward, they should consider promoting Zarco, who will be far cheaper than Pedro Acosta for the next few years.

With Luca Marini being the only rider with an expiring contract, it’s not ideal, but they would be making an upgrade. Perhaps Mir could be under some pressure too.