WATCH: Johann Zarco celebrates his maiden MotoGP win with a backflip in Australia 2023

As the Australian MotoGP returns in a week, let’s recall one of the most iconic moments from 2023 - Frenchman Johann Zarco’s maiden MotoGP victory at Phillip Island. Zarco, a veteran of the sport with over 100 race starts, finally stood atop the podium after an intense race and a daring last-lap move, sealing his victory with a spectacular backflip that sent his supporters into a frenzy.

The 2023 Australian Grand Prix was as dramatic as it came. Zarco’s teammate, Jorge Martin, dominated the early stages of the race. Starting from pole, Martin’s decision to use a softer compound rear tyre paid off initially, allowing him to pull ahead with a commanding lead of over 3.5 seconds midway through the race. However, the gamble soon backfired.

As his tyres began to degrade, Martin’s grip on the lead started to slip, with his lap times suffering significantly in the closing stages. By the time the final lap approached, Martin’s advantage had dwindled to just over a second. Enter Zarco, who had steadily climbed up the ranks throughout the race.

Zarco made and seized the opportunity!

Coming out of the Southern Loop, Zarco was right on Martin’s tail and seized his opportunity at the tight turn-four hairpin. Diving boldly down the inside, Zarco forced Martin wide, with Francesco Bagnaia taking advantage of the gap to snatch second place.

Martin’s tyre issues continued to haunt him, and he ultimately fell to fifth place by the time the chequered flag waved. Zarco, meanwhile, crossed the finish line victorious, overwhelmed with emotion after securing his long-awaited win. The French rider couldn’t contain his joy as he performed a celebratory backflip in front of a roaring crowd, a throwback to the celebrations of his younger years when backflips were his signature victory move.

Here is the video:

Another angle of Johann Zarco’s backflip! We’ve waited 2534 days for this!

Many thanks to @rotang_7 on Instagram for sending in the video!#MotoGP pic.twitter.com/A1x9EebPBk

— Everything Moto Racing (@everythingmrace) October 25, 2023

"What an incredible last lap here," exclaimed MotoGP commentator Matt Birt. "You can throw a blanket over the top five." Zarco, visibly emotional after his triumph, shared his disbelief: "It's a good feeling, it's hard to believe. After so many races I finally won. I have to take in the moment. I want to cry, but not at the moment."