Johann Zarco wins first French MotoGP home victory after over 70 years

FRANCE: Johann Zarco made history by becoming the first French rider in 71 years to gain victory at the French Grand Prix. 

Racing for LCR Honda, Zarco made a good choice by starting the race on wet tyres. This decision worked to his advantage in the unpredictable and rain-affected race. He finished the race with a dominating lead, approximately 20 seconds ahead of Marc Marquez from Ducati, who placed second. Fermín Aldeguer from Gresini Racing finished third and earned his first-ever MotoGP podium.

Highlights of the race

Zarco had a difficult start, positioning himself in 17th place after the first lap and narrowly avoiding a crash as he went off the track, losing positions. The race then turned chaotic with changing weather and many riders switching bikes multiple times. Zarco remained calm and steadily moved up the field. In time, he took the lead and held onto it for the rest of the race, securing a historic victory.

At 34, Zarco became the first French rider to win at the legendary Le Mans circuit since Pierre Monneret in 1954. As the impressed crowd chanted his name, he celebrated the victory with a backflip before the grandstand.

Moreover, hopes were high for a French win before the race, especially with 2021 world champion Fabio Quartararo starting from pole position. Unfortunately, Quartararo crashed at the final corner of lap four, ending his chances. His other key opponents, including Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia and Honda’s Joan Mir, also crashed out early after a collision at turn three. 

With his win, Zarco declared: “Hard to believe, I still don’t understand what is happening… The last laps, they were quite long. I think I need a bit of time, but it’s just magic because with the rain tyres at the beginning, we had to control.”

Zarco’s win also ended Ducati’s impressive 22-race winning streak in MotoGP. 

Second placer Marquez also expressed: “Crazy race, especially the first part… But Johan was faster today … I pushed for two laps, I saw that he was faster, even increased the distance. So then I just tried to control [my pace].” 

With his second Grand Prix victory, Zarco has climbed to sixth place in the championship standings.

One of the social media posts by LCR Team shared: “The last time a French rider won on home soil was in 1954…Today, you changed that. You made history!”

Netizens commented on the post and said: “So happy for you that you became the winner 🙌🏻🍾 (translated),” and “Congratulations on your victory at Le Mans! I am very happy for your family, your team, and you! (translated).”