Featured In the October 2023 issue of Roadracing World:
Halfway through this season it seemed like Johann’s Zarco’s MotoGP career was over. The paddock rumor machine had VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi gaining a promotion to Pramac Ducati for 2024, so he could have a latest-spec Desmosedici GP24 to ride alongside Jorge Martin, thus leaving no room for the Frenchman who has ridden Ducatis for the last four seasons, scoring many podiums, but no wins.
Most likely Ducati would demote Zarco to World Superbike, said the rumor machine. But life moves fast in the MotoGP paddock. Honda’s RC213V project is in meltdown, with Marc Marquez wanting to escape his 2024 contract and Alex Rins escaping his during August, quitting the LCR Honda team to ride a factory Yamaha next year, alongside Fabio Quartararo. So LCR owner Lucio Cecchinello contacted Zarco and asked, do you want to ride an RC213V next year?
“Johann Zarco: Can The Warrior Monk Save Honda?” by Mat Oxley
Johann Zarco joins Honda next year, after riding MotoGP’s best motorcycle for the last four seasons, so he could be Honda’s most useful asset in its fight back from the most disastrous period of its racing history. Or will Zarco’s second full-factory-team deal turn out to be another nightmare? Read MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley’s analysis in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
PREVIEW October 2023 Issue of Roadracing World
Click to SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
—Read the October 2023 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Click here for Roadracing World sample issue (One sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)