Johann Zarco admits he is “thinking about how to stay” at LCR Honda in an apparent U-turn in his plans for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Zarco is currently the best Honda rider in the riders’ standings with 97 points after earning a podium at the last round in Silverstone off the back of a phenomenal home victory in Le Mans.
Following his victory at the French Grand Prix, Zarco admitted he hoped the performance would do enough to earn him a ride in the factory Honda team.
However, following the British Grand Prix, the Frenchman may have changed his mind after conversations with team boss Lucio Cecchinello.
“My relationship with Honda and Cecchinello is very good,” he told Sky Italia at Silverstone.
“Even in Lucio’s team we can have even more support and be a third factory bike.
“It would be ideal, we are thinking about how to stay here and be the real number 1 in the Honda team.”
Current factory Honda rider Luca Marini is out of contract at the end of the season, and his doubt has been cast over his future with the Japanese manufacturer.
It was expected that the Italian could be moved to the satellite LCR team, with Zarco moving in the other direction.
However, it is now expected Honda will turn its attention to signing World Champion Jorge Martin after he announced his intention to leave Aprilia.
Honda boss Alberto Puig stated they would not approach Martin, or any rider, who is contracted to a rival manufacturer, but the Spaniard has now activated the clause in his contract which releases him for 2026.
Pedro Acosta, who is contracted to KTM in 2026, has also been cited as a dream signing for Honda, with both Acosta and Martin under the management of Albert Valera.
