The next personnel decision in MotoGP for 2024/25 will be more concrete. Johann Zarco has two offers on the table. One by Ducati and one by Honda for the LCR team. “Honda seems to want me more than Ducati,” said the Frenchman in Spielberg on Friday on Canal+. “I have a choice, and that’s nice.”
On Saturday, the French television station announced that Zarco had reached an agreement with Honda and LCR. But the racing driver himself denied that after the sprint: “This announcement came too early because I now have both offers in my hands. But I haven’t decided yet.”
Specifically, Ducati is offering the Frenchman a contract for 2024 so that he can drive another year in the Pramac team. The Italian brand would then like to transfer Zarco to the Superbike World Championship, where he could possibly succeed Alvaro Bautista.
Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti confirmed this consideration to ‘Motorsport.com Spain’: “We told Johann that Ducati was interested in him – for a year. Then we want to bring him to the Superbike World Championship.”
“But he has a desire to stay in MotoGP and has been offered two years by LCR. If you want to stay in MotoGP at all costs because you’re already 33 years old and Ducati can only offer one year, then that’s it normal to choose the other path.”
Zarco has been driving for Pramac-Ducati since 2020 and was significantly involved in the development by Gigi Dall’Igna. In the fall of 2019, Zarco has already contested three races for LCR-Honda. Back then as a replacement for Takaaki Nakagami who had to undergo surgery.
Zarco can well imagine the Honda project
So Ducati expects Zarco to leave. He is also drawn to Honda. “The suggestions are quite clear,” says the two-time Moto2 world champion. “It is clear that Honda offers a good project in MotoGP.”
“I would be happy if I can give good information with my consistency and experience so that we can work well on the development of the bike. It would be at least two years because I also have the option for a third year. That would be a good project in the MotoGP.”
“With Ducati it would be a year and then they see me in the Superbike World Championship in the future. That could also be an idea. But as long as I can perform in MotoGP, it’s difficult to think about the Superbikes. On the other hand, Ducati has in the best bike in both series.”
Nakagami and Marquez would welcome Zarco
With Zarco, Honda would secure a driver who knows the Desmosedici in every detail. KTM has done it. With the signing of Jack Miller, the Austrian brand has also obtained useful feedback from the class leader.
“This is very positive news for Honda,” says LCR driver Nakagami, who could become Zarco’s teammate. “It’s the same as Jack did. That makes sense. It would be a great opportunity for Honda. Johann is very competitive.”
“In four years Ducati he has gained a lot of experience and can give us advice. This is very positive news for Honda.” Whether Nakagami’s contract will be extended is still open. The Japanese hopes to get an answer ahead of the overseas races.
And what does Marc Marquez think about the possibility of Zarco becoming his fellow brand? “He’s welcome. He’s a fast driver and has a lot of experience. I can’t say much. Actually, I don’t care who drives the other Honda next year.”
Late on Saturday afternoon, Zarco sat down with LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello. He also wanted to speak to Pramac owner Paolo Campinoti and Ciabatti. Zarco also indicated that he wants to make his decision in Spielberg on Sunday.