Johann Zarco has been boosted by his recent form in the MotoGP flyaways as he continuously fought for top-ten finishes.
When Johann Zarco moved from Prima Pramac Racing to LCR Honda it was clear he knew he was in for a challenge. However, it does not seem that he expected the 2024 season to be as difficult as it has been.
In the latter flyaway rounds of the 2024 season, Zarco and LCR Honda have shown clear improvements. The Frenchman has been fighting for top tens throughout all the overseas races and finally arrived at his target results.
"I am pretty happy it was a good race for me," Zarco said about the Malaysian Grand Prix. "Compared to the Sprint I had more control, which is what I wanted. Because for the 19 laps, I needed this control for the race, I could not go much faster but I was in a good group.
"After the first half of the race, I thought I could break away from Bezzecchi, make a gap on him, and try to stay with Vinales and Rins. But I could not do it and I started to have a little fight with Bezz, it was pretty good to do it.
"In the last third of the race I was struggling, I could not stay with Bezz and Augusto (Fernandez). In the end, I got 11th position, I was happy that Aleix Espargaro was also struggling so he could not catch me.
"But finishing the overseas races always fighting for the top ten is good confirmation for the step up from Honda. It has given us the motivation and happiness that we needed during the season. We arrived at the target a bit later than what I thought, but better late than never. We did good things and we can be happy."
Zarco finished the Malaysian Grand Prix in 11th place, he was the highest Honda rider once again. The next Honda was Luca Marini in 15th, whilst Takaaki Nakagami and Joan Mir did not finish the race.
