Johann Zarco has pronounced himself very happy with his Honda RC213V machinery following two days of Shakedown testing at Sepang ahead of official 2024 MotoGP pre-season testing this week, calling the new prototype a ‘good step’.
The Frenchman has been one of the winter’s higher profile movers following his surprise move away from his spec Pramac Ducati machinery - upon which he scored his first MotoGP victory in 2023 en route to a career-best fifth overall - in favour of a move to Honda’s satellite outfit, LCR.
Getting two days on the RC213V as part of Honda’s concession allowance to help the manufacturer regain ground on its European rivals after another difficult season in 2023, Zarco was pleased to end the test with a competitive third fastest time overall, calling it ‘a good step’.
“It was so good to be back on the bike, I sweat a lot but I am happy,” the double Moto2 World Champion told MotoGP.com
“Some good feelings I had in Valencia, some confidence, and we had time to try some positions.
“Then the second day we tried the new bike, which was even better, so I am happy, it is a good step and gives a lot of motivation for the next few days.”
Indeed, far from considering his move to Honda as a potential demotion from his much vaunted spot on the version of the double title-winning Ducati, he says he feels ‘lucky’ to be arriving at a manufacturer at this time of potential renaissance.
“I think the potential is here because the new bikes bonds very well so I am lucky to arrive in this moment at Honda.
“I expect we will see more improvements to see where we are when we are all on track for testing.
