**”Zarco Sounds Alarm on Honda’s 2024 MotoGP Project: ‘We Need to Open New Doors'”**

Johann Zarco has expressed concerns about Honda's 2024 project, stating that it is ineffective and lacks competitiveness. He emphasized the need to explore new opportunities.

Before the official MotoGP test at Misano on Monday, Johann Zarco stressed that Honda must implement significant modifications to the existing RC213V setup.

Zarco was the highest-placed Honda rider at the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday, securing 12th position and trailing race winner Marc Marquez by more than a minute.

A shower during the middle of the race created some changes in the lineup. Zarco, who was the leading Honda rider, only managed to qualify in 16th place. Meanwhile, Luca Marini, Takaaki Nakagami, and wild-card entry Stefan Bradl occupied the rear positions on the grid.

A comprehensive set of improvements is anticipated for Monday's test, which is likely the final opportunity for significant advancements this season.

"We'll experiment with aerodynamic components and the chassis, as significant changes are necessary to improve the bike's performance," Zarco mentioned to MotoGP.com.

“The current 2024 project is completely ineffective. It's not competitive, which means we must explore other avenues to find new opportunities.”

Nakagami, who will transition to a test rider role in 2025, commented: "The Monday test holds significant importance. HRC informed us that we will be evaluating a new aerodynamic package."

"Certainly, there are numerous aspects that require enhancement, such as the rigidity of the frame. We have quite a bit to address. Therefore, we aim to boost the bike's performance."

The LCR riders, who are level on points for 17th place and are the highest-ranking Honda riders, may need to take on additional testing responsibilities if Repsol teammates Marini and Joan Mir remain unwell and unable to compete, as they did in Sunday's race due to illness.

Test rider Bradl, who is believed to have been testing new components during the race weekend, withdrew from the Sprint race. He later earned two points in the grand prix but finished at the bottom of the timesheets in all other sessions.

“We’re spending this weekend focusing on various tasks, exploring new ideas and concepts. The goal is not to achieve the best lap time,” Bradl commented following the Sprint.

The points he earned on Sunday, which moved him past Marini in the rankings, came as an unexpected delight.

He mentioned that he didn't have high expectations going into the race today, but noted that when there's a bit of rain, anything can happen and having experience becomes very valuable.

Given the circumstances, we had no risk, and the sky didn't seem threatening enough to bring lasting rain, so I decided to stick with slick tires. I'm really pleased to finish 14th and earn some points, not just for myself but also for my colleagues on the Test Team.

"We put in a great deal of effort both on the wildcards and behind the scenes, so I'm very happy to provide them with something they can appreciate."

On Sunday, Repsol revealed that it will conclude its 30-year title sponsorship of the Honda factory team when this season wraps up.

With 13 out of 20 rounds completed, LCR is leading Repsol Honda, though both teams remain at the bottom of the standings.

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