It was an unforgettable Sunday for Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) at the Michelin Grand Prix of France, with the #5 securing victory by an incredible 19.907s. Zarco etched his name in the history books once more, becoming the first French rider to win the French GP since 1954. It also marked his first victory with Honda in the premier class, and the manufacturer's first Grand Prix win since the 2023 Americas GP.

After first lap drama, Zarco saw himself outside the points, working hard in unbelievably tricky conditions throughout the Grand Prix. With wet tyres on his Honda, the Frenchman began to chip away, moving inside the top 10 at the end of Lap 6. However, as rain began to fall again, Zarco rapidly made positions, entering the lead on Lap 8.

Zarco will go down in history as the rider who ended France’s 71-year wait for victory at the French GP, with the crowd’s deafening roar following the #5 every lap. Not since the opening round of the 1954 season, when Pierre Monneret claimed victory in the premier class, had a French rider stood on the top step at home — until now.

After the Grand Prix, Zarco described his emotions: "It’s very special, it’s hard to believe that it can happen. I am racing to win races and to be on the podium, I am always pushing myself to get the best performance, and I always believe that one day I could win. When it was happening, it was very strange because of the way it happened, I had to control a lot and wait for the victory to come, which was very special.

"I am so happy because I love the history of motorbikes, I’ve been watching all the races and I know many big names from the past. To write this line, to become a French winner at the French GP, wow, it was special, and I am very happy for this. I can’t say much more because it was a tricky race, we knew it was going to rain, so my choice was with the wet tyres."

After a weekend packed with record-breaking laps and unforgettable drama, the spotlight now shifts to Silverstone. With the British GP up next, stay tuned — the season is just beginning to heat up!