Johann Zarco won the French Grand Prix on Sunday, ending a 71-year wait and making him the first French racer to win at home since Pierre Monneret in 1954. The 34-year-old Honda LCR racer performed a superb race in treacherous conditions, reaching the line about 20 seconds ahead of Marc Marquez, while 19-year-old Fermin Aldeguer finished third, his first MotoGP podium. The victory came under dramatic circumstances, with early rain disrupting the race.
Zarco started in the middle of the pack, slid to 17th after a brief off-track excursion, but remained composed as the field battled for control. His decision to start on wet tyres paid off, allowing him to overtake competitors as grip faded and visibility worsened gradually. While others battled, Zarco raced ahead, finally taking the lead with precision and finesse.
Fans at the Bugatti Circuit screamed in joy when Zarco sealed the historic victory and wowed them with his iconic backflip. The victory not only ended Ducati’s 22-race winning streak, but it also represented a rare moment of glory for Honda. A modest Zarco described the mood as “unbelievable.”
For France, this was more than just a victory; it was a long-awaited moment of national pride.
