Johann Zarco is still on the mend from his brutal Catalan Grand Prix crash, but the Frenchman has tried to follow Marc Marquez’s example in his recovery.
Zarco suffered multiple injuries at the Catalan Grand Prix and is currently recovering from them as his absence from LCR continues.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Zarco was worried he might not walk again, as the nature of the injuries he sustained would be too much for him to recover from.
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But in the weeks after his crash, the French rider began his recovery process. And while initially there were concerns that Zarco wouldn’t race for LCR in 2027, it looks like he will be returning before the 2026 season ends.
But Johann Zarco has taken inspiration from another rider who has overcome injuries this season, as he has tried to replicate Marc Marquez’s dedication to rehabbing his injury.
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Johann Zarco reveals how Marc Marquez’s ‘brave’ 2026 comeback has impacted his recovery approach
In the latest episode of his Team Zarco docuseries for Canal+, Johann Zarco shared his thoughts on watching Marc Marquez recover from his recent shoulder injury.
Zarco admitted that he wants to take a similar approach to Marquez, but doesn’t feel as brave as him. And as time has gone on, Zarco has admitted that he has learned from Marquez’s struggles not to push himself too hard.
“I saw Marc grimace, putting needles in his shoulder and everything. That’s when I saw that he’s very tough. I don’t feel as brave as him.
“But then again, he’s an opponent. And if I can beat him, I’m the first one to want to beat him. I tell myself, if even Marc is struggling sometimes, don’t try to be some kind of superhero.
“Prepare yourself well, and come back better than you could ever imagine. In fact, it’s almost like taking a step back to take a bigger leap.”
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Speaking further in the episode, Zarco added that he isn’t trying to push himself too hard partly because he knows he has the security of having a contract for 2027.
“My luck in being able to think like that is having a contract already for 2027. It allows me to be patient.”
In Zarco’s absence, Honda have relied on Cal Crutchlow to fill in for him. The expectation right now is that Zarco will return to the grid in September after making a nearly-full recovery.
The injury was certainly a frightening situation for Zarco, but it is good that he has taken a measured and careful approach to his recovery and return.
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