Johann Zarco’s Breakthrough: Honda’s First Qualifying 2 Triumph of the 2024 MotoGP Season

Johann Zarco described it as exciting, comparing it to a minor initial triumph. He managed to earn Honda its inaugural spot in the Qualifying 2 session for the 2024 MotoGP season.

While Marc Marquez dominated the spotlight during Friday's MotoGP practice session at Aragon, it was perhaps Johann Zarco who delivered the standout performance of the day.

The LCR racer secured Honda's first appearance in Qualifying 2 this season by finishing eighth on the newly resurfaced and slippery track.

Zarco recorded a lap time that was within one second of Marquez's Ducati. Meanwhile, Luca Marini and Joan Mir, riding for Repsol Honda, could only secure the 17th and 21st spots respectively. Takaaki Nakagami, who is part of the LCR team, finished in 22nd place, which was last.

"That's exciting! It feels like a minor but significant win," Zarco shared with MotoGP.com. "Now we can be certain that I will secure at least the 12th spot in tomorrow's qualifying, marking my best qualifying performance this year."

"We are pleased to have secured a top ten position in practice. We introduced some new components to the bike, and the new tires have allowed me to make significant improvements. This is a positive change, considering that during the time attack in Spielberg, I finished 17th."

"That experience was aggravating. Therefore, extracting additional performance from the new tire today was crucial and provided a sense of accomplishment."

Zarco praised the new engine for improving his performance with the new tyres, but he cautioned: "We still don't have a major solution, but we need to have faith in the process and also trust that Honda will use this new data to improve future developments."

Nevertheless, the number 5 is committed to maximizing the opportunities this weekend, aiming for a top ten finish on Sunday.

“We have a chance here. I don't want to let it slip away, so we need to keep pushing hard to earn points in the Sprint and secure a top ten finish in Sunday’s race,” he stated.

"After that, it will be time to celebrate a productive weekend. We must stay grounded and prepare for an important day ahead."

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