Johann Zarco’s back-to-back victories at the Suzuka 8 Hours have further cemented his value to Honda — and might even earn him a little contract bonus.
The Frenchman, who won the event on debut in 2024, returned this year under even tougher circumstances, sharing the grueling four-hour stints with just one teammate in extreme heat. The physical and mental strain was reminiscent of Valentino Rossi’s own challenges at Suzuka, where the legend once admitted to “seeing black and white” in sweltering conditions.
Zarco, the oldest rider on the MotoGP grid, has been Honda’s standout performer since last year, taking their best results and even delivering a home win at Le Mans. His Suzuka success is seen as the “cherry on top” for a rider already expected to sign a new two-year or two-plus-one deal with LCR Honda.
While Honda had once been linked with Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta, Zarco’s place in their 2026 plans has never been in doubt. As MotoGP pundit Lewis Duncan put it: “Maybe there will be an extra couple of Euros on his contract for the Suzuka win!”
