Johann Zarco is set to return to MotoGP at the Aragon Grand Prix after missing several months of racing.

Zarco has been unable to race since he crashed in the Catalan MotoGP in May, meaning a return at Aragon will come after over three months on the sidelines.

The French rider had been replaced by Cal Crutchlow since the Italian Grand Prix, but a return for Zarco at MotorLand will bring an end to the Brit’s latest stint as a fill-in, and likely his last.

Zarco was able to start riding again recently with a supermoto bike in Andorra, and has also been able to ride a Honda CBR1000RR-R more recently to prepare him for a return at Aragon next week, although he will have to pass a medical test on Thursday ahead of the weekend to be cleared to ride from Friday.

“Castrol Honda LCR is pleased to announce that Johann Zarco will return to racing at the Aragon GP, subject to passing the mandatory medical examination at the circuit,” reads a statement from LCR Honda, published to social media.

“After suffering a crash during Sunday’s race at the Catalan Grand Prix, Zarco was forced to miss the subsequent Grands Prix to allow him to recover from ligament injuries to his left knee. The rider and his medical team opted for a non-surgical approach, with September initially set as his target for a return to competition.

“However, Zarco’s recovery has continued to improve in recent weeks, allowing him to bring forward his return to racing. He has gradually increased his workload, riding both a supermoto and a Honda CBR1000RR as part of his rehabilitation. 

“Having made steady progress and received clearance from his medical team to resume racing, Zarco will travel to Aragon with the aim of returning to competition, subject to passing the mandatory medical assessment at the circuit.

“Both Johann Zarco and the Castrol Honda LCR team are looking forward to being reunited at the Aragon Grand Prix and continuing their work together on track.”