JOHANN ZARCO SAYS HE IS HAPPY AFTER RETURNING TO THE BIKE IN KNEE RECOVERY

Johann Zarco says he is “happy” after getting back on a bike for the first time since injuring his knee at the Catalan Grand Prix in May. Zarco suffered the problem when he crashed at Turn 1 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with his leg caught in the back of Francesco Bagnaia’s Ducati during the restart. He then spent more than two months unable to ride while the knee recovered.

Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Zarco finally reached a point where he could start training again. In an Instagram update, he explained that “last week, I got back on the bike,” adding that he chose a supermoto machine so he could use a more comfortable position. He said the session was “so pleasant to do some laps and train my body specifically for riding,” describing the work as a step-by-step process to test the knee.

While Zarco is encouraged by the ability to ride, he stressed that the recovery still requires careful management. He noted that he is “focused on doing the right thing and controlling the intensity of my riding,” because “some pain can appear and the knee can get swollen again, which is normal when you’re recovering from an injury.” He also underlined that “the knee needs to be exercised and stimulated step by step,” but that “managing the swelling carefully is fundamental to making sure the healing process continues properly.”

Zarco said the approach is about patience, calling it “the big word in this challenge.” He reiterated that his target remains “September,” and that he is “working hard to get there in the best shape possible.” He closed his message by thanking supporters during the time he has been sidelined.

Since the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in May, Zarco has been replaced at LCR Honda by Cal Crutchlow. With Zarco’s return still dependent on how the knee responds, the Aragon Grand Prix on 28–30 August could be a key moment in determining whether he races again before a planned September comeback. If he does return, the first event on his side of the schedule would be Misano, on the weekend of 13 September.