Johann Zarco’s Emotional 2025 Motogp victory: A journey that took 72 years

Johann Zarco made history by winning the 2025 Motogp French Grand prix. His victory is the first for a French rider in 72 years of Motogp history.

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Venkatakrishnan
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Zarco French GP win

The French GP was all tears for many fans as it was an emotional victory for LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco. The entire world was stunned to see the French rider win the Le Mans GP infront of 3 lakh passionate fans standing in the rain.

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Even nature broke down to give Johann Zarco the best moment of his life in his home country before his home fans. It took seven decades for a French rider to achieve a Home Grand Prix win, and nobody thought Zarco would be the man. Let us see how the Honda rider achieved the feat and scripted his name in history.

Also Read: MotoGP 2025 Grand Prix of France Race Results: Johann Zarco become the first French rider after 71 years to win Le Mans GP

Johann Zarco made history at Le Mans 2025

Lucky escape at the start

The riders and teams were confused with the strategy as the Le Mans race track was a mix of wet and dry conditions. Zarco was one of those early riders to follow the wet strategy. At the opening lap, Johann escaped narrowly from getting hit by Joan Mir and Bagnaia after the two crashed. If Zarco was hit, we may not have witnessed history at Le Mans 2025.

Cool and Calm ride

Zarco French GP cool

As many riders like Quartararo, Marquez couldn't find the grip at the Le Mans track, Zarco was cool and calm with his approach. He kept it steady and followed his mind. The conditions became worse, and many riders had to change their strategy, and because of that, they lost a lot of time. But LCR Honda followed their already planned wet strategy, and Zarco became the leader and lead the race by the end of lap 10.

Becoming people favourite

Zarco French GP People

Fabio Quartararo was meant to win the race as he started from the pole position after a historic qualifying lap with the Factory Yamaha bike. But he crashed while brushing over the kerbs, and suddenly, people shifted their focus to Zarco, the only other French rider in the race.  The whole of France was behind Zarco to win the Le Mans GP.

Winning the French GP after 72 years

Zarco French GP win

Even in the final moments, Johann didn’t move an inch as he focused on finishing the race. More than Zarco, all we could see were his proud father and mother, who worked very hard behind Zarco's career all these years, and finally seeing their son winning the French Grand prix after 72 years of waiting was emotional. 

Johann Zarco wasn't an emotional guy, but he couldn't control his tears after witnessing his fellow countryman shout his name, lighting up the skies. He wanted to show gratitude to the crowd, and he did the iconic Flip. This is simply one of the greatest victories ever at Le Mans, and Zarco will take this victory up to his grave, and so do many French fans.

Also Read: Motogp world champion Jorge Martin plans to exit Aprilia Racing by the end of 2025

Honda is impressed by Zarco

Zarco French GP Honda

The Factory Honda team is very impressed with Zarco, and they want the Frenchman to be in their team from the 2026 season. The LCR Honda is pleading for Zarco to stay, as they are also using the same engine as the Honda Factory team. But it's now upto Zarco to take the big decision of either being an independent rider or Factory rider for the 2026 season.

Also Read: Motogp world champion Jorge Martin plans to exit Aprilia Racing by the end of 2025

MOTOGP Fabio Quartararo Johann Zarco Grand Prix of France