ZARCO WANTS TO MAKE THE MOST OF MOTOGP’S FASTEST DAYS

Johann Zarco heads to the Qatar Grand Prix encouraged by his recent pace and fond memories of the Lusail International Circuit. He finished fourth at the track in April 2025 and hopes to reproduce that form this weekend. “I remember having a great race here. I have good speed on this circuit, and I hope it will be the same this weekend,” the LCR Honda rider said.

Lusail’s changing conditions are part of its appeal: practice takes place in the afternoon heat, while the race runs under floodlights in cooler evening conditions. Zarco said tyre selection is relatively straightforward, giving the team a clear idea of how to approach the weekend. “It’s always special to ride in the afternoon, when the track is super hot, and then in the evening, when the conditions are almost perfect.”

He also wants to make the most of the current generation of MotoGP machinery. After showing strong speed in Malaysia, Zarco said he intends to enjoy the bike’s power while he can, noting that there are not many remaining opportunities to reach 350 or 360 km/h. “I don’t think I’ll ever have a bike like this again for the rest of my life,” he said. The 2027 regulations will bring 850cc engines, reduced power and less aerodynamic downforce, with lower speeds expected on the straights.

Zarco’s Malaysian weekend offered mixed results. He qualified eighth and finished the sprint 10th, then retired from the Grand Prix a few laps from the end while running in a promising position. He nevertheless felt competitive, saying he had nearly reached seventh and stayed with Enea Bastianini as the Italian caught Marco Bezzecchi, who went on to finish fifth.

Several leading riders will miss the Qatar event: Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and test rider Augusto Fernandez, along with Alex Marquez and Joan Mir. Zarco believes their absence could improve his chances of reaching Q2 directly. “It could be easier than usual, with fewer top riders here,” he said.

The Frenchman also feels physically ready. He was surprised that Malaysia’s race had not left him exhausted, despite being unable to complete its final three laps. With Lusail an easier circuit, he hopes to find “an extra push” this weekend.