Honda has an ‘artist who tries to solve problems’

Just a year ago Johann Zarco began implementing one of the most complex projects about his adventure in MotoGP. The Frenchman decided to change omnipotent Ducati by Pramac (he was only offered a one-year contract extension) for the most difficult prototype on the grid. LCR Honda offered both seasons. which he was looking for in the highest category, in exchange for the RC213V, which, with its position on the table, highlights its shortcomings. After seven Grands Prix, two-time Moto2 champion adds only nine points to the overall rating as well as two twelfth positions (in Qatar and France) – his best results in this campaign. All this while waiting for the brand’s reaction golden wing it hasn’t arrived yet.

Despite all the testing being done on the RC213V to regain competitiveness, the most everyday image of the Japanese 2024 prototype is at the bottom of the grid. Honda (both Repsol and LCR boxes) usually closes MotoGP positions and although not so long ago, in 2019, Zarco went through a similar process with KTM. Something has changed in the pilot’s personality. Five seasons ago, the Frenchman left the Austrian garage, having barely completed his first year of training. However, at the most difficult moment for the Japanese team, only “He wants to work on himself instead of constantly complaining about the bike.” Cecchinello, head of LCR, stands out in Motorsport, the work of a pilot who knows how to adapt to the situation after a “personal process of growing up.”

“Johann has worked hard on himself,” the Italian says of the driver, whom he considers “like an artist because he devotes a lot of time to his work.” And this is explained: “Try to solve problems by trying different things with the bike.. So to me he’s a bit like an artist. I have worked with many pilots and he He is one of the best professionals I have ever met, because he’s very focused on what he’s doing.” Cecchinello is full of praise for the Frenchman, who has maintained a positive philosophy towards the Honda project from the very beginning. Zarco I didn’t believe the brand golden wing must be “pessimistic” after a disappointing streak of poor results, even though his boss admits that he “He suffers too.”

“Zarco will have to be patient”

“We feel disappointed. But until now his attitude has always been positive because he knows that Honda is behind him and that he is fully committed to improving the bike. “He knows he needs to be patient.” says Cecchinello about a process where the wait seems eternal. Although the inside of the box is “remarkable and nice to see how he likes (Zarco) stay focused and surrounded by professionals.” Because French too “He wants to work on himself, and not constantly complain only about the bike”.

When will the results be? For the Italian, that is, now, least of all: “I tell him that I don’t care where we are. The most important thing for me is that every time I go into the pits, Be proud of the way you drive. We can’t give him a competitive bike, but if you’re convinced you gave it your all, you should be proud of yourself and we’ll be proud of him.”