Johann Zarco’s emotional and unexpected triumph at the French MotoGP in Le Mans came after a strategic masterstroke — but he admits he was deeply worried another rider might snatch the victory from him.
The LCR Honda rider rolled the dice on wet tyres at the start while others gambled on slicks, and as the rain fell, the race became a strategic lottery.
Despite the chaos, Zarco had one eye on a familiar threat: Jack Miller.
“I was very worried about Jack Miller because he is the best in these conditions,” Zarco told TNT Sports.
“When he crashed at the last corner, I thought, ‘I can win the race.’”
Miller, now riding for Pramac Yamaha, is no stranger to heroics in mixed conditions — including a stunning maiden win at Assen 2016 and a brilliant ride at a soaking Le Mans in 2021.
Both Zarco and Miller were among just four riders to start the race on full wets — a call that proved decisive. Miller showed strong pace early on, but a crash at the final corner ended his hopes and cleared the path for Zarco’s first-ever MotoGP win on French soil.
“We knew it would rain,” Zarco said.
“Slicks plus raindrops? I don’t feel good. I said, ‘just be patient, the guys with slicks will go to the pit box.’”
Zarco’s measured approach paid off in a race where experience and judgement proved more valuable than raw speed. His win marked a fairytale moment for the French crowd — but in another reality, it could’ve been Miller celebrating another rain-soaked masterclass.
