Honda now risk disappointing close MotoGP ally with 21-podium rider ‘flattering’ HRC amid Pedro Acosta blow

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Honda are playing a key role in the MotoGP rider market amid uncertainty over Luca Marini’s future, with Pedro Acosta and Toprak Razgatlioglu just two of their options.

The Japanese squad are moving early to consider their options for the 2026 MotoGP season as Marini is out of contract with Honda at the end of this year. Honda also face a decision on who will ride for LCR in 2026 as Johann Zarco and Somkiat Chantra are also out of contract.

Honda currently only have Joan Mir under contract for next season, with the 2020 champion tied down through 2026. So, Acosta and Razgatlioglu have emerged as the leading targets to take Marini’s seat at Honda. Yet they would not have a clear run at either name for next year.

Lucio Cecchinello wants Johann Zarco to stay at LCR as Honda consider 2026 promotion

Yamaha are fighting Honda to sign Razgatlioglu and could hand the World Superbike star his preferred move to MotoGP in 2026 instead of 2027 as HRC want. Also, VR46 have a cheque in hand to sign Acosta if the Spanish sensation agrees to break out of his contract with KTM.

But according to Speedweek, Acosta’s management now believe an early termination of his contract with KTM is ‘out of the question today’. So, Zarco is emerging as a likely alternative to join Honda in 2026 with the LCR rider’s form ‘flattering’ and surprising the HRC hierarchy.

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

Honda promoting Zarco from LCR would risk disappointing the owner of their satellite squad, however. Lucio Cecchinello has now gone on the record stating his desire to keep Zarco with LCR in 2026 after the 34-year-old started the 2025 season as the top-scoring Honda rider.

“We will be very pleased if Zarco could stay here also for the future,” Cecchinello stated, via quotes by Motociclismo. “But we don’t know. The season has just started, so let’s see.”

Honda are giving Johann Zarco first rider treatment with the LCR star the top HRC rider

Honda are considering promoting Zarco from LCR to replace Marini next year as, despite the Frenchman turning 35 on July 16, he has surprised the brand’s management with his results. HRC even admire Zarco’s ‘textbook commitment’, which has seen his name join the shortlist.

No Honda rider has outscored Zarco through the first five rounds of the 2025 campaign with the Cannes native boasting 43 points ahead of his home meet next time out. Zarco will head for the French Grand Prix P7 in the standings, with Marini the next-best Honda in P12 on 32.

Additionally, Honda are giving Zarco first rider treatment due to his form and their technical director Romano Albesiano is also often in the LCR pilot’s garage. Should that form continue and Acosta stays at KTM, then Zarco may firmly come into contention to replace Marini, too.

Joining Honda could also offer Zarco a chance to add to his 21 career podiums since making his MotoGP debut in the 2017 Qatar Grand Prix. The LCR star also last got onto a rostrum at the 2023 Valencia Grand Prix when Zarco secured P2 at his final race on a Ducati at Pramac.