ZARCO WELCOMES MOTOGP’S MOVE FROM PHILLIP ISLAND TO ADELAIDE

Johann Zarco is set to make his 17th MotoGP appearance at Phillip Island, after recovering from the serious knee injury he suffered in a crash at the Catalunya Grand Prix. The Frenchman returned at Aragon, well before the championship’s second overseas trip, despite fears that the injury could keep him away from the Australian circuit. Only Marc Marquez, who first raced there in 2008, has more experience among current riders; Zarco made his debut at the track in 2009.

This year’s visit is expected to be the last before MotoGP moves its Australian Grand Prix to Adelaide. Zarco appreciates Phillip Island’s distinctive setting and racing history, but is open to the change. “It’s a special track with a very beautiful layout,” he said, while noting that the calendar contains many circuits. “Phillip Island stands for a lot of exciting races, but I also think it’s a good idea to try something different next year.” He described Adelaide as an opportunity to bring MotoGP to more people and introduce the sport to a new generation of fans.

Zarco also backed Honda’s decision to promote Diogo Moreira to its factory team for 2027. Moreira will join Fabio Quartararo, while 20-year-old Moto2 rider David Alonso is due to move to Zarco’s LCR squad. Joking about the change, Zarco said he had felt like “a big brother” to younger riders, but would soon feel “like a young father.”

He agreed that Honda needs two leading riders in its factory line-up. Quartararo, he said, can take on a leadership role, while Moreira has shown this season that he is ready for the opportunity. Zarco added that Alonso will have plenty to learn, particularly with new machinery, and called LCR the right place for that development.

Asked about the disputed Qatar Grand Prix amid regional tensions, Zarco said the situation was unusual and that decisions on whether the event can be held safely belong to authorities and embassies. Riders, he argued, are not responsible for judging the overall security situation. Their role is to form views on matters related to racing, while the safety of everyone at the event—including technicians, mechanics and media—must be considered. “We riders are no more important than anyone else in MotoGP,” he said.

Zarco arrives at Phillip Island 17th in the championship, eight points behind Franco Morbidelli. His previous race at the circuit ended in the gravel after only a few laps.