Johann Zarco has admitted he is hoping to claim a factory Honda ride that Luca Marini could vacate at the end of the MotoGP season.
The Frenchman suggested he has held “very positive” talks with Honda about a move to the factory team, something Zarco has been open about wanting in the past.
Though Marini was not mentioned by name, the Italian is out of contract at the end of the season, while factory team-mate Joan Mir has a further year left on his deal with the Japanese manufacturer.
Ahead of his home round at Le Mans, Zarco revealed talks have been “positive” so far and have provided clarity to his current position at LCR Honda.
“Talks are very, very positive with Honda,” said the 34-year-old via Motorsport.com.
“But [being] so clear with Lucio [Cecchinello] is so nice.
“To [be able to] speak with him and be 100% honest. He knows that a chance to move up to the factory team is important for a rider, for a career also.”
The French rider is currently the top-scoring Honda rider, with 43 points, which is 11 clear of Marini and 32 ahead of Mir.
“It can be interesting to become this number one rider and I would like to make this step,” continued Zarco.
“So we are really speaking and trying to understand what can be the best. I know that I’m feeling super good here and that I have full support from Honda too.
“But we need to evaluate if this prestigious seat in the factory team is what I need.
“It’s something I want… but also [we have to] see how [it would work] for Lucio. It’s pretty nice to have this free speech between Lucio, Honda and me.”
While speculation about a Zarco switch to the factory bike ramps up, Marini told Italian media that his negotiations with Honda had also begun.
