Johann Zarco Makes History with Home Victory at Le Mans
Johann Zarco gave French fans a race to remember at the 2025 French Grand Prix, claiming his first MotoGP win on home soil and becoming the first Frenchman to do so in the premier class since 1954. It was a masterclass in timing, strategy, and control, delivered on one of the most unpredictable afternoons in recent MotoGP history.
The 2025 French Grand Prix was destined to be memorable, with a record attendance of over 311,797 fans creating an electric atmosphere around the Bugatti Circuit. Starting 11th on the grid, the day that began under dry skies quickly turned wet. But when the drizzle turned to rain, Zarco and his CASTROL Honda LCR team made a pivotal call, switching to the wet setup earlier than anyone else, a decision that would define the race.
By lap eight, Zarco had surged through the pack and taken the lead. While the rest of the field scrambled for grip and made their pit stops, Zarco stretched his advantage and settled into a relentless rhythm. The Frenchman took the win with a solid 20-second lead over Marc Márquez, maintaining a consistent and fast pace throughout the whole race.
For Zarco, it was his first win since joining the factory-supported CASTROL Honda outfit, delivered on the biggest stage possible, in front of his home fans, and on his 150th MotoGP start.
“There are no words to express what I felt today,” he said. “It was a long and intense race, but the strategy we applied as a team really paid off. I took a gamble, as the forecast predicted rain, and today, we made the right call. Winning with Honda is something I’ve been aiming for, and now we’ve done it. Huge thanks to the team, to my parents who were here to experience the Grand Prix with me, to HRC, to the sponsors, and to everyone who’s supported us. This is a day I’ll never forget."
The Le Mans crowd, one of the largest in MotoGP history, erupted witnessing Zarco’s celebratory backflip. The win moved him up to sixth in the overall standings, making him the highest-placed Honda rider in the championship so far.
At Quad Lock, we are so incredibly proud to support Johann Zarco and to witness this historic milestone in his career. From the pit box to the podium, his performance at Le Mans was a showcase of composure, bold decision-making, and racecraft at the highest level. The entire Quad Lock family extends its congratulations to Johann Zarco on this incredible and emotional achievement! We are immensely proud to have you representing our brand on the world stage.
What was your favourite moment from the unforgettable 2025 French MotoGP? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
