Peter Bom reckons Honda would be ’20 years behind’ if they didn’t have two-win MotoGP rider, he is ‘God’s gift’

Add as preferred source on Google

Honda are trying to build their way back to the front in MotoGP after a dramatic regression in recent years.

The Japanese giants had enjoyed unbelievable success with Marc Marquez in the 2010s, winning six titles with the Spaniard. However, not long after his near-career-ending accident at Jerez in 2020, Honda began to fall backwards.

They have since found themselves stuck at the back of the grid over the last couple of seasons. Honda are bottom of the concessions system midway through 2025, but they are using that to their advantage to bridge the gap to Ducati at the front.

The RC213V is still a difficult bike to ride, evidenced by Joan Mir and Johann Zarco being top of the crash leaderboard in 2025. But with extra testing with their MotoGP riders and freedom with engine specs, they are beginning to make strides forward.

Honda’s progress is largely down to one rider in particular, who Peter Bom says is ‘God’s gift’ to them; without him, they would be in a much worse position.

Peter Bom reckons Honda would be ’20 years behind’ if they didn’t have ‘God’s gift’ Johann Zarco

Johann Zarco has been a level above the other Honda riders in 2025, having been the only one capable of putting his bike on the front row and challenging the Ducatis.

Recent races have been difficult for the Frenchman, with numerous crashes hampering him, but he has shown that he can secure top results. Zarco claimed victory at Le Mans, his second win in MotoGP, and finished second at Silverstone.

Factory riders Mir and Luca Marini have struggled for consistency this season, while Zarco’s teammate Somkiat Chantra is so far behind that Honda are not even looking at his data. Bom reckons that the Japanese outfit would be ’20 years behind’ if the Frenchman was not in their line-up.

“Think about it, take Zarco out and Honda would be in real trouble. Unridable bike, 20 years behind,” he said via the Oxley Bom Podcast.

“Zarco, honestly, is not one of the alien riders, but he is at the moment, like God’s gift for Honda, he is really.

“And that’s the guy who walked away from KTM because the bike wouldn’t allow him to ride like he was thinking you need to ride a MotoGP bike, and he just walked away from it.

“That guy went to Honda and we were like: ‘Oh, are you sure you want to go there?’ And now he leads Honda’s development with a very positive spirit.”

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

Why Honda simply have to give Johann Zarco a factory seat

Zarco has been treated as Honda’s lead rider in 2025, given his performances and how vital he has been for technical development. Unsurprisingly, the 34-year-old is keen to land a factory seat with the team.

Luca Marini recently signed a contract extension for 2026 with Honda, meaning that the team, in theory, do not have an opening for next year. Mir is also contracted until next year.

However, his future may not be totally secure. Rumours have suggested that Mir’s contract could be ‘terminated’, which would open the door for Zarco to make the move from LCR.

Honda simply must sign Zarco to a factory seat if there is a spot available. His experience is vital for the manufacturer, and his performances in 2025 prove that he can produce something special in the right circumstances.