Johann Zarco switches tactics for Honda-best at Jerez MotoGP

Johann Zarco switched strategy for the Spanish MotoGP race and came away with Honda’s best grand prix result of the season.

After using his wet-weather expertise to qualify second, Zarco fought hard to defend his position in the Sprint, later disrupted by rain.

But the LCR Honda rider then changed tactics for the 25-lap grand prix.

Accepting the top riders would overtake, Zarco then intended to grab a tow from those closer to his pace and use it to pull away from the rest of the field.

“Starting from the first row for the Sprint and the long race is a huge advantage,” Zarco said.

“The strategy of the race was that the top guys would overtake me, but I don't need to fight them, compared to the Sprint.

“I know I cannot keep them behind, but at least I will do the best possible to follow and get the best pace possible for myself.

“I knew that by doing like this, I could create a gap with the guys behind, which I've done.”

Zarco held fifth place until just four laps to go, when he was caught and passed by the Trackhouse Aprilias of Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.

“I thought that I could create a gap with Raul Fernandez… But 5 laps to the end, the rear tyre had a huge drop, and I could not even control the bike,” Zarco explained.

“I began to lose more than four tenths per lap. So it was impossible to stay with Martin ahead, and impossible to contain Fernandez and Ogura.

“When they overtook me, I thought, 'OK, just stay behind', but I could not even stay behind them.”

Despite the late drop-off, Zarco’s earlier strategy ensured he remained comfortably ahead of Enea Bastianini to secure seventh place.

“I was happy that the important gap I could make earlier in the race [gave me] the advantage over eighth position, so I just had to save the last lap,” Zarco said.

Luca Marini was the next best Honda rider in 13th place.