Johann Zarco Credits Setup Changes for Malaysian MotoGP Practice Pace: “We Tried Things That Helped”

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Johann Zarco of Castrol Honda LCR roared back to form at the 2025 Malaysian MotoGP, clocking the second-fastest time in Friday’s practice at Sepang, just 0.019 seconds behind Pedro Acosta. The French rider attributed his resurgence to new bike setup tweaks and his affinity for the Sepang circuit, restoring confidence after a tough run of races.

Zarco, with only one top-10 finish since his second place at the British Grand Prix in May, capitalized on Sepang’s challenging conditions to secure a direct Q2 spot. His performance marked a return to the front after lagging behind Honda HRC Castrol teammates post-summer break.

“So happy because it was so good to play with this weather,” Zarco told MotoGP.com after two rain-affected practice sessions. “We had to do the first time attack very early in the session and I did a good lap time. Then it started to rain and I was thinking ‘Maybe it’s going to be enough’, but as soon it started to dry we had to push for another time.”

Setup changes were pivotal. “I’m so happy that I got again huge improvements, which was very important to do because with the first lap time I wouldn’t have qualified [for Q2],” he added. “Today, we have tried other things which have helped me to get better. I hope tomorrow I will do a great qualifying and keep working on these good feelings that I got today.”

Zarco credited Sepang’s layout for his revival. “Malaysia is a track I like, plus it’s a track where we have a lot of laps during the winter test. So, it always helps to make a kind of reset,” he said. “But, clearly, we have to play a lot with the setup to bring something new to my feeling.”

Zarco was one of two Hondas in the top 10, alongside Joan Mir, with Luca Marini narrowly missing out. He highlighted Honda’s progress since August, driven by Marini and Mir’s results. “The progress of Honda we can see since August with all the great results of Luca [Marini] and Mir,” he noted. “So, it’s a good confirmation here in Malaysia. We cannot compare the lap time [to the preseason test] because the grip of the track is very different, but compared to the other bikes now we can put the Hondas into the top-10.”

Zarco’s Le Mans win and Mir’s Japan podium underscore the RC213V’s gains in traction and power, positioning Honda as a threat at Sepang.

With restored confidence and strong pace, Zarco is poised for a front-row grid spot in Saturday’s qualifying. Sportrik’s in-depth analysis suggests Honda’s adaptability to Sepang’s variable conditions, combined with Zarco’s setup tweaks, makes him a podium contender. Rain remains a factor, but Zarco’s early time attack prowess signals readiness for a competitive Q2.

Honda’s two Q2 bikes highlight their late-2025 surge. If Zarco maintains his rhythm, he could bolster Honda’s bid for a second win this season, following Le Mans.