Marco Bezzecchi
Johann Zarco’s future in MotoGP was cast into doubt after his horrendous accident in Barcelona, but the Frenchman has no intention of giving up.
In a race that was plagued by horrific crashes, Zarco crashed at the Catalan GP on the opening lap of the restart. He collided with Francesco Bagnaia’s rear tyre and got caught in his bike in a frightening scene.
The LCR rider suffered significant injury, particularly to his knee, but thankfully, surgery is no longer required. But such a devastating crash has cast doubt about his future in the sport.
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Johann Zarco told LCR ‘I’m coming back’ amid rumours he could become a Honda test rider
Cal Crutchlow has been standing in for Zarco while he continues his rehabilitation. He is set for an extended period of time away from the grid, having missed the last four races.
Zarco has a contract for 2027, with Diogo Moreira or David Alonso set to be on the other side of the LCR garage. However, with his injuries, reports suggested that the team could be forced into an unexpected change.
It was said that Zarco could leave LCR in 2027 and become a test rider for Honda. However, journalist Rosario Triolo says there was never any consideration from the Frenchman to stop.
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In fact, Zarco told Lucio Cecchinello that he intends to come back, with Triolo saying that he plans to return by Misano.
He said on his YouTube channel: “But then we come to the rumour par excellence that has been doing the rounds recently, partly fuelled by the injury he sustained in Barcelona. Johann Zarco wants to take a step back and become a Honda test rider, leaving the LCR bike.
“Truth or falsehood? An absolute lie. Utter nonsense. Not for a single moment has Zarco ever even considered giving up his MotoGP seat to become a test rider and take a step back.
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“On the contrary, from the very moment after his injury, Zarco told Lucio Cecchinello, ‘Get ready, I’m coming back.’
“Indeed, there has never been a moment when Zarco has hesitated on this matter. There was never a moment when Zarco thought of giving up on 2027.
“There was never a moment when Zarco worked with that intention in mind; in fact, whilst working and training to recover, it was medically confirmed that the knee injury can be managed without surgery, so this shortens the recovery time – in fact, Zarco is aiming to return as early as Misano.”
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