MotoGP: Lucio Cecchinello reveals more about Johann Zarco’s return date

On the sidelines of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Johann Zarco has reached a new milestone in his recovery. The LCR Honda rider is now targeting a return at Misano, as explained by his team principal, Lucio Cecchinello.

Johann Zarco is getting closer to a MotoGP return. Injured in the leg and more seriously in the left knee during a violent crash at the Catalan Grand Prix, the 36-year-old rider from Cannes has been continuing his rehabilitation for several weeks. This week, the French tricolor reached a new milestone by getting back on a bike on a circuit track near Andorra.

The information was revealed on the sidelines of the British Grand Prix, held this weekend at Silverstone. Lucio Cecchinello, team principal of LCR Honda, also provided an update on his rider’s progress: “He trains almost every day. We hope he will be back in September; Misano is the first objective.“

The San Marino Grand Prix, scheduled for September 11-13 at Misano, is therefore the target date favored by the team. A date that remains, however, subject to the next medical examinations.

Johann Zarco has already returned to racing on track

Nearly three months after his crash in Barcelona, Johann Zarco was able to put on his suit and get back on a production bike. The session took place on Friday on the Andorra – Pas de la Casa circuit at Grandvalira.

This track is regularly used by MotoGP riders living in the region for their training. For Johann Zarco, this session represents a new milestone in a recovery that has accelerated in recent weeks.

The LCR Honda rider devoted much of this period to muscle strengthening. Returning to cycling also accompanied the physical work. Doctors had ruled out the necessity of left knee surgery and favored a rehabilitation program.

A return as early as the Aragon Grand Prix, scheduled for the end of the month, could theoretically be considered. The medical team, however, recommends more patience and favors a return at Misano, two weeks later.

A test with a MotoGP bike could also help assess Zarco’s physical condition before his return to competition. The regulations now allow this type of testing for riders who have missed at least three consecutive Grand Prix races or 45 days of competition.

His LCR Honda team has requested the Japanese manufacturer to study this possibility. A response is still awaited. Honda also has additional testing opportunities since its move to category D of the MotoGP concessions system.

Since Johann Zarco’s injury, Cal Crutchlow has been filling in for LCR Honda. The Frenchman must now continue his preparation before passing the next medical milestones. Misano appears at this stage to be the target set by the team to return to the MotoGP grid.