ZARCO’S SPECIAL LCR HONDA LIVERY NEVER MAKES IT TO THE GRID

Johann Zarco’s promising Phillip Island weekend ended without the Grand Prix start that would have showcased LCR Honda’s special look. The team had prepared a bp Ultimate-themed livery for his RC213V and matching leathers, but the design appeared only during the riders’ lap behind the Safety Car after Sunday’s race was cancelled. Poor visibility was affecting the rescue helicopter’s operation, prompting the decision to call off the event.

The cancellation also denied Zarco a chance to capitalise on a front-row start. His Friday had been modest: he finished 12th in FP1, then placed 11th in practice, missing direct entry to Q2 by just 0.026 seconds. He had to work through Q1 on Saturday, where wet conditions brought a dramatic improvement. Zarco advanced in second, only 0.001 seconds behind Australian Jack Miller, then secured third on the grid in Q2.

Marc Marquez took pole, 1.503 seconds ahead of Zarco, but the Frenchman was just 0.009 seconds behind second-placed Alex Marquez. The result put him alongside the two Ducati riders on the front row and gave him a strong position for the weekend’s races.

The sprint offered little consolation. Zarco held third after the start, but a technical problem ended his race early, leaving him to look ahead to Sunday. That opportunity never came. Phillip Island was the circuit where he claimed his first MotoGP victory in 2023, but this time his weekend concluded without a Grand Prix start—and the specially prepared bike and leathers were seen only on the curtailed weekend’s farewell lap.