Luca Marini should be worried by what Honda are now giving Johann Zarco behind the scenes

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Honda have seen huge signs of improvement in the 2025 MotoGP season. Johann Zarco has been key to that success, much to the concern of the factory riders.

Last season was a miserable year for the Japanese manufacturer. Honda finished last in the standings with just 75 points, with Zarco being the highest-ranked rider in 17th.

The Frenchman managed just two top 10 finishes all season for LCR in 2024, scoring 55 points. Factory Honda riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini fared even worse, with neither of them able to break into the top 10 at all last season.

Thanks to the MotoGP concession system, Honda have made huge progress in their bid to challenge Ducati. The Japanese manufacturer are sat second ahead of the Grand Prix of Spain, already on 49 points.

Marini has found some much-needed improvements in 2025, scoring points at every race so far. However, it is clear Zarco still has the advantage at Honda.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Johann Zarco from career stats to net worth

Johann Zarco is receiving ‘first rider treatment’ at Honda – hugely concerning for Luca Marini

The Frenchman has been one of the standout riders in 2025, with some impressive performances on the RC213V.

Besides a disappointing weekend in Austin, Zarco has finished in the top 10 in every Grand Prix. The LCR rider finished fourth in the Qatar GP as he mixed with the Ducatis.

Marini’s highest finish this season has been eighth in Austin, with the Italian still being outshone by the Frenchman. Marini says Zarco’s ‘unique’ riding style makes him faster as the former has to ‘sacrifice’ his instinct to find more time on corner exit.

The factory Honda rider finished down in 18th in free practice in Jerez, while Zarco got himself into Q2 along with Marini’s teammate Mir. Speaking via GPOne, journalist Paolo Scalera says the Frenchman is now receiving ‘first rider treatment’ at Honda.

This should worry Marini, especially with his future beyond 2025 being uncertain: “The other thing to say is that Honda is constantly improving,” said Scalera.

Zarco is very happy and also very pleased with how things are developing within, lets’ say, the teams.

“Because now LCR, also thanks to Johann, is absolutely receiving first rider treatment. Very often in the box there is Romano Albesiano with him.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Luca Marini from his net worth to half brother

Luca Marini is at risk of losing his Honda seat in 2026 – who will take it?

Marini is out of contract in 2025, with rumours swirling that the Italian could be out of the team come the end of the season.

Neil Hodgson has called for Zarco to be promoted to the factory team over Marini. The Frenchman’s priority treatment at LCR should surely put him in the frame for the seat.

However, several others riders are also in the frame, with Pedro Acosta being heavily linked amid his frustrations at KTM. Honda will demote Marini to LCR if they sign the Spaniard, putting more pressure of the Italian to perform.

Toprak Razgatlioglu has also been linked with the team as they look to bring him over from the World Superbike Championship. Pramac are also pursuing the Turkish rider, giving Honda strong competition to land his signature.