MotoGP French GP: Johann Zarco Wins at Le Mans, Breaks Honda’s Two-Year Winless Streak

Johann Zarco claimed a home victory at the MotoGP French Grand Prix in Le Mans, giving Honda its first MotoGP win in two years. Racing for LCR Honda, Zarco stayed on wet tyres throughout the race while others switched to slicks. His smart decision paid off as rain returned, helping him secure a 19.9-second lead. Zarco made history as the first French rider to win a premier class race on home soil since 1954. The MotoGP French GP saw heavy rain just before the start, forcing riders to change to wet tyres on the warm-up lap. This caused a short delay. As the track dried, some switched back to slick tyres, but rain came back, leading to more pit stops. The mixed weather led to several crashes, including one involving polesitter Fabio Quartararo, who crashed out early.

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Zarco’s race had a rough start as he barely avoided a first-lap crash with Enea Bastianini, Pecco Bagnaia, and Joan Mir. He dropped to the back but stayed focused. As rivals struggled with tyre changes, Zarco moved up quickly. By Lap 8, he took the lead and stayed in front until the finish, showing great control in wet race conditions.

After a clean ride, Marc Marquez took second place in the French Grand Prix. His brother Alex Marquez crashed twice in the race after running in third. Pecco Bagnaia also had a tough day, involved in the first-lap crash and finishing 16th. With this result, Marc Marquez now leads the MotoGP championship by 22 points over Alex and 51 points over Bagnaia.

Rookie rider Fermin Aldeguer surprised everyone with a third-place finish at Le Mans. He held off KTM’s Pedro Acosta in the final laps to secure his maiden MotoGP podium. Maverick Vinales and wildcard rider Takaaki Nakagami completed the top six.

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The 2025 MotoGP French GP will be remembered for its drama and high number of crashes. Only 16 riders were classified. Fabio Quartararo, Brad Binder, Miguel Oliveira, and Jack Miller all crashed out. Pecco Bagnaia’s poor form continued. The changing weather and risky tyre choices made the French GP one of the most dramatic MotoGP races of the season.