Johann Zarco’s LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello says he doesn’t see a profit within the French rider switching to the manufacturing facility Honda group for 2026.
The 34-year-old Zarco has made no secret of his need to step as much as the works squad subsequent season, when the incumbent Luca Marini shall be out of contract.
Throughout Free Follow 1 for the French Grand Prix on Friday, nonetheless, Cecchinello informed Dorna that Zarco must get to know a brand new working setting whereas gaining no benefit by way of tools.
“We wish to proceed working with Johann,” mentioned Cecchinello, who received seven grands prix at 125cc degree throughout his driving profession. “Now we have created an excellent bond between the engineers, the group and him. I consider it’s the right setting [for Zarco] and in my view it might be a pity to vary utterly.
“I perceive his standpoint, after all. I used to be additionally a rider and I’ve been [around MotoGP] for nearly 40 years. So I understand how the scenario is and I totally respect the opinion of all of the events. However I wish to say that right here at LCR now we have the identical materials, the identical factory-specific engine and components. So I don’t very a lot see the purpose, except it’s the status of racing for the manufacturing facility.”
Lucio Cecchinello, Group LCR Honda
Photograph by: Rainier Ehrhardt
Zarco has beforehand talked about precisely that status issue as a part of his motivation for wanting the manufacturing facility seat. He additionally informed media on Thursday that he wouldn’t have entry to the newest Honda engine being run by the manufacturing facility group at Le Mans this weekend.
“It’s out of my management,” continued Cecchinello. “I simply hope he’ll take the right choice. I’ll simply do my finest and hold my fingers crossed.
“If [Zarco leaves] then we are going to take one other problem and I’m positive Honda will proceed to help us in the easiest way, as they’re doing now.”
Zarco made a stable begin to his house grand prix on Friday morning, clocking the eighth-fastest time in Free Follow 1. Whereas nearly all of the sector ran the identical tyres all through the session – delicate fronts and medium rears – Zarco’s time was a late one, set on recent tyres. He was nonetheless operating medium rubber each entrance and rear.
Images from French GP – Follow
On this article
Richard Asher
MotoGP
Johann Zarco
Group LCR
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