Zarco: "Honda seem to want me more than Ducati do"

Just a few short weeks ago, it seemed that Johann Zarco’s future was all but secure within the ranks of the Prima Pramac Racing team. The Frenchman has enjoyed a fruitful four seasons riding aboard the Ducati, earning 13 podiums since joining in 2020, four of which have come in the current campaign, and both rider and team have expressed their satisfaction of their working relationship.

However, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and it appears that that may be sooner rather than later in the case of Zarco if his latest comments are anything to go by. Rumours of a switch to LCR Honda first arose at the British GP a fortnight ago, and the #5 failed to quash them by saying he “would be proud” to ride with the Japanese brand.  Zarco has now fanned the flames even further in an interview with MotoGP™’s French broadcaster Canal+, believing that his potential suitors hold a larger desire to have him than his current home.

"Honda seem to want me more than Ducati do. But also, Ducati is performing well with a great bike, so I could also make this choice, in order to keep fighting at the top."

Zarco also says that there have been little talks since the British GP: "We knew that between Silverstone and Austria there wouldn't be many discussions, so we'll see what happens this weekend.

"I'm not worried. In any case, I'll have the choice, which it's a good thing."

Zarco’s decision is seemingly key to a number of other riders’ futures. Ducati have four factory bikes to hand out in 2024, two of which will of course be with the factory team, while Prima Pramac Racing are contractually obliged to have two as well. With Mooney VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi also chasing a factory machine, it could open the door for the Italian to move onto one should Zarco move to Honda. That, in turn, would also allow Franco Morbidelli to complete his rumoured return to the VR46 squad after he and Monster Energy Yamaha decided to end their relationship at the conclusion of the current campaign.