Johann Zarco reveals MotoGP retirement plans

Johann Zarco has admitted his current MotoGP contract is likely to be his last, meaning we may not see the Frenchman race beyond 2027. 

Zarco, aged 35, is the oldest rider on the grid at the moment, and is one of four riders currently with a contract for the 2027 campaign. 

That’s an important piece to this puzzle, because in 2027 MotoGP is set to undergo one of its biggest rule changes ever.

Smaller engines, stricter regulations surrounding aerodynamics, a ban on ride-height devices and the use of 100 per cent sustainable fuel are some of the major changes set to take place. 

Zarco has also been instrumental in bringing Honda back into the mix, following the high-profile departure of Marc Marquez at the end of 2023, who previously won six MotoGP titles with the Japanese company. 

The French rider believed his last move from Ducati to LCR Honda, for the 2024 season, was set to be his final contract. But Zarco then inked a new two-year deal with the team earlier this year.

Zarco has been the top Honda rider in the championship since his move, and he also secured a famous victory on home soil at Le Mans earlier this year.

He became the first home rider to win the French Grand Prix in 71 years, something not even Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo has managed to achieve yet. 

On the subject of whether his current deal is going to be his last, Zarco recently said: “In my mind, yes... At the moment!”. Zarco will be 37 years of age when his current contract runs out. 

Zarco, who was joined by rookie Somkiat Chantra in the LCR Honda garage for the 2025 season, will have another rookie alongside him in 2026 with Diogo Moreira stepping up to the team.

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