In a thrilling turn of events at the Australian Grand Prix, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) made history as he clinched his first-ever victory in the MotoGP™, ending a long and challenging 120 race journey. At the age of 33, the Frenchman's perseverance and unwavering commitment to the sport have finally paid off.
Zarco's World Championship career began with a promising start as he transitioned from the Red Bull Rookies Cup to the 125cc World Championship in 2009. Two years later, he finished second in the Championship, earning him a move up to Moto2™, where he secured six podium finishes over hist first three campaigns in the class, showcasing his adaptability and determination.
A pivotal moment in Zarco's career occurred when he rejoined forces with Aki Ajo in the Moto2™ category. The partnership bore fruit, as the Frenchman clinched the Championship in 2015 and then successfully defended his title in 2016. This achievement made him the first rider to win back-to-back Moto2™ Championships since its introduction in 2010, and the first to do it since a certain Jorge Lorenzo, solidifying his status as a rising star.
His transition to MotoGP™ in 2017 was nothing short of impressive. In his debut year, Zarco secured three podium finishes and two pole positions, signalling his arrival on the premier class stage with a brilliant home podium in Le Mans and the Rookie of the Year crown. Remaining with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in 2018, he continued to make his mark, finishing as the top Independent Team rider that season.
In 2019, Zarco embarked on a new chapter, joining the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team as part of the Austrian factory's premier class lineup. However, the season got off to a challenging start, leading Zarco to make the tough decision to walk away from the team, ending his two-year deal prematurely. As a free agent, he stepped in for Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda Idemitsu for the final three rounds of the season, demonstrating his adaptability and dedication.
A move to Reale Avintia Racing for the subsequent season showcased Zarco's prowess as he represented Ducati. He earned a podium finish at the Czech GP, further solidifying his place in the highly competitive world of MotoGP™. In 2021, he joined the Pramac Racing team and experienced a season of two halves, starting in spectacular fashion with back-to-back podiums in Qatar, which saw him briefly leading the premier class standings. However, arm pump issues in the second half of the season hindered his title charge, and he finished fifth in the final standings.
Despite the challenges and near-misses, Zarco remained with Pramac for the 2022 season. As the rider with the most pole positions and podium finishes without a premier class victory, the elusive win continued to elude him. His performances throughout the season were consistent and impressive, with four podiums and two pole positions, but the top step of the podium remained out of reach.
Finally, in the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, Johann Zarco achieved a monumental milestone by securing his first MotoGP™ race win after 120 attempts. At times it seemed as if it would never come for him, but the #5 refused to give up in his fight for glory, and he was richly rewarded on Saturday. And what a way to do it too after a sensational last lap shootout in Australia.
He becomes the fifth rider from France to claim a premier class Grand Prix race win, following in the footsteps of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Christian Sarron, Pierre Monneret and Regis Laconi. His victory is a testament to his perseverance and with the return of the backflip in Phillip Island, we have to ask, when are we going to see it again?
With one in the bag already, Zarco gets another chance at glory this weekend in Buriram, with that Thai GP next up on October 27th. Make sure you join us then!