LCR CONFIRMS JOHANN ZARCO’S RETURN FOR ARAGON AFTER KNEE RECOVERY

LCR Castrol has confirmed that Johann Zarco will return to MotoGP sooner than first expected, with the French rider set to make his comeback at the next Grand Prix at MotorLand Aragon—provided he passes the required medical examination on site.

Zarco’s return follows a lengthy absence after a heavy crash during the Catalan Grand Prix race. He suffered injuries to the left knee, and as a result missed the following six MotoGP rounds while recovering from ligament damage. His rehabilitation was handled without surgery, and an initial target for his return had been set for September.

In recent weeks, however, his recovery has progressed positively. During rehabilitation, Zarco gradually increased his training workload, including sessions on both a Supermoto and a Honda CBR1000RR. After receiving clearance from his medical team to resume racing activity, he will travel to Aragon to attempt his comeback, again subject to the mandatory check at the circuit.

Zarco also spoke directly about his condition after the team’s announcement: “I am quite satisfied with how my knee is recovering and how the healing process is progressing. I feel good enough to get back on the MotoGP bike, and I’m really looking forward to racing again. The Supermoto and the CBR were ideal to increase the intensity and do longer rides. I really missed my team, the races and the paddock, so I can’t wait to be in Aragon.”

While the timing is a boost for the team and for Zarco personally, expectations for immediate results are tempered. In the championship standings, Zarco has dropped to 17th. His earlier absence also meant that Cal Crutchlow—who had been filling in for him in the LCR setup since Mugello—will be stepping away from MotoGP again with Zarco’s return.

The comeback also means MotoGP will return to a full regular rider lineup in the paddock, with Fermin Aldeguer back at Gresini-Ducati after his recovery from a healed vertebra injury.