Unforgettable day for Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Castrol, and an enthusiastic crowd at the Michelin Grand Prix of France. For the first time since 1954, a French MotoGP rider, Zarco, won at home, after a strategic tyre choice allowed him to finish nearly 20 seconds ahead of Marc Marquez from the Ducati Lenovo Team. Marquez gained valuable points in the championship, while competitors Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia failed to score, in a thrilling afternoon that also saw Fermin Aldeguer secure his first MotoGP podium.
START DELAYED BY RAIN
As the race approached, light rain fell over the Le Mans circuit, raising anxiety levels. During the warm-up lap, riders on slick tyres quickly realized the mistake as polesitter Quartararo almost crashed at Turn 3. Consequently, all riders returned to the pit lane, resulting in a red flag. The Grand Prix was shortened to 26 laps, and a wet race was declared, allowing riders to change bikes once the race began.
RACE BEGINS WITH IMMEDIATE INCIDENTS
When the race finally started, Bagnaia crashed at Turn 3 on the first lap, while Quartararo led the pack, followed by the Marquez brothers and Aldeguer. Having returned to the pit for a dry bike, Bagnaia fell far behind after being lapped, and some riders faced double long lap penalties due to their pit stops.
HEARTBREAK FOR QUARTARARO AS ZARCO TAKES CHARGE
Disaster struck for Quartararo as he crashed at the final corner, alongside Brad Binder. This dashed the hopes of the large home crowd, but Zarco took over the lead after sticking with wet tyres, pulling ahead significantly over Miguel Oliveira. The Marquez brothers soon caught up to Oliveira.
A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE BY ZARCO
Zarco’s lead expanded, reaching 8.5 seconds over the Marquez duo with 17 laps remaining. As he consistently clocked low 1:46s, his gap only increased, hitting 14 seconds in the final laps. Although Alex Marquez crashed again, his previous retrieval allowed him to finish in sixth. Aldeguer’s rapid pace pushed him closer to a podium finish.
HISTORIC VICTORY AT LAST
In a commanding performance, Zarco managed to maintain his significant lead, crossing the finish line with a 19-second advantage. This victory was monumental as it marked the first win for a French MotoGP rider on home soil since 1954, creating a historic moment for Zarco, LCR Honda, and thousands of fans present at Le Mans.
POINTS SCORERS FROM THE FRENCH GP
Marc Marquez secured second place, earning crucial points, while Aldeguer celebrated a successful podium debut. Although Acosta finished fourth, Viñales and Nakagami rounded out the top six. Additional riders in the points included Di Giannantonio and Savadori, with Bagnaia finishing in 16th place. What an astonishing day for Zarco and the fans! Next up: Silverstone.
