The Qatar Grand Prix MotoGP, contested this weekend on the Lusail circuit, took place in a particular context for French riders. While Fabio Quartararo had to give up this 20th round due to Yamaha’s withdrawal, Johann Zarco continued the competition with LCR Honda. The Cannes native notably signed a very impressive performance during the Sprint.
Fabio Quartararo deprived of Grand Prix after Yamaha’s withdrawal
The 2026 MotoGP calendar experienced several adjustments this season. Initially scheduled for April, the Qatar Grand Prix was ultimately rescheduled for this weekend of November 6-8 due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This event constitutes the 20th round of a championship whose final two stages will take place in Portugal and Spain, at the end of the month.
But Fabio Quartararo did not travel to Lusail. A week after the Malaysian Grand Prix, Yamaha chose not to enter its riders in Qatar, following a new assessment of safety conditions in the region. A decision announced on November 1st, which also concerns Alex Rins and the two representatives of Pramac, satellite team of the Japanese manufacturer.
Nothing to disturb the Nice native who took the opportunity to participate in the Alpes-Maritimes Nice Cannes Marathon with his friend and manager Thomas Maubant. A race he finished in 3h47 without any specific preparation! Enough to relieve the frustration of the recent races with Yamaha.
Johann Zarco regains sensations in Qatar
Unlike his compatriot, Johann Zarco was indeed present on the grid with his LCR Honda team. The driver from Cannes gradually found his rhythm on the Lusail circuit. After a 12th place in Free Practice 2, with no direct consequences for the rest of the weekend, the Frenchman secured his place in Q2 and finished eighth in qualifying.
This performance allowed him to access the second part of qualifying directly for the eighth time this season. Johann Zarco then confirmed with a seventh position on the starting grid, once again signing the best result among Honda riders.
Saturday brought further confirmation. During the Sprint, the Cannes native crossed the finish line in fifth position, a little over three seconds behind winner Marc Márquez. A performance that allowed him to compete with leading riders and regain sensations he had experienced less frequently this season.
“ It was a good race, I’m very happy. Honestly, finishing a tiny bit more than three seconds, less than four seconds from first in a Sprint, that’s nice, that’s cool”, Johann Zarco said at the finish.
The LCR Honda rider also acknowledged having benefited from several race incidents, notably the collision between Pecco Bagnaia and Fermín Aldeguer, which led to a red flag and a restart. But the Cannes native was most pleased with his pace in the opening laps: “I was quite strong, I felt very comfortable.”
Tire degradation complicated the second part of the Sprint, however. A parameter that Johann Zarco will need to take into account for Sunday’s Grand Prix, contested over a longer distance. The Frenchman nevertheless hoped to confirm his competitiveness and target a top 10 finish, or even a top 7.
An encouraging start for Johann Zarco
On a grid reduced to just 16 machines, Johann Zarco made an encouraging start at the Qatar Grand Prix. Despite a slightly less successful launch, the Cannes rider produced a solid first lap to reposition himself in the field. Engaged in a battle with several competitors, the Frenchman attempted to defend his position before losing ground to successive attacks. Pushed back to 9th place behind Jorge Martín, the LCR Honda rider was unable to keep pace with those ahead of him. Struggling to close the gap, Johann Zarco was unable to recover any positions through to the finish.
MotoGP will return to the track in two weeks for the Portuguese Grand Prix, held on the Algarve circuit, on the weekend of November 20.
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