– Johann Zarco is about to make his comeback in MotoGP. More than three months after his serious accident at the Catalonia Grand Prix, the LCR Honda rider is set to get back on his RC213V during the Aragon weekend.
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The Frenchman has received clearance from his medical team to return to racing. Final green light, however, will only be given after the mandatory medical examination at MotorLand Aragon next Thursday.
If the Frenchman passes this examination under the supervision of MotoGP doctor Dr. Angel Charte, nothing will stand in the way of his comeback on the track.
Serious accident during the race in Barcelona
Zarco was seriously injured on May 17 at the Catalonia Grand Prix in Barcelona. After an initial race stoppage with a red flag, a second start saw another serious accident in the first corner involving Zarco, Luca Marini, and Francesco Bagnaia.
During this, Zarco’s left leg got caught in the rear wheel of Bagnaia’s Ducati. The Honda rider suffered a severe ligament injury to his knee. Additionally, he also sustained burns.
MotoGP: Catalonia Grand Prix (Barcelona) 2026
Originally, the doctors had considered surgery. However, initially the inflammation in the knee was to subside and the burn to heal. Later, the medical assessment changed. Instead of surgery, the doctors opted for conservative treatment.
Zarco was thus able to avoid an operation. LCR had initially planned for the 34-year-old to return in September at the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano. However, recovery has now progressed faster than expected.
Zarco shortens rehab and is already training again
LCR stated: “Johann’s recovery has made pleasing progress in recent weeks, allowing him to bring forward his return to the racetrack.”
During his rehab, Zarco gradually increased his workload. This included rides on a Supermoto as well as on a Honda CBR1000RR. This allowed him to gain practical experience on two wheels again and test his physical endurance under more realistic conditions.
Now Zarco has also received clearance from his medical team. LCR announced: “After continuous progress and receiving clearance from his medical team to return to racing, Zarco will travel to Aragon with the goal of participating in the competition again – subject to the mandatory medical examination on the track.”
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Zarco himself spoke out on social media. “I am quite satisfied with how my knee is developing and how the recovery is progressing,” he says there.
“I feel good enough to get back on the MotoGP bike and am really looking forward to racing again. Training with the Supermoto and the CBR was ideal to increase intensity and do long rides. I really missed my team, the races, and the paddock.”
More than 100 days without MotoGP action
Between his accident on May 17 and the possible comeback on Friday, August 28, more than 100 days will have passed. As of today, Zarco has already had 96 days of racing break.
During his injury break, the LCR rider missed a total of six Grands Prix. The Frenchman was not at the start for the races in Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Germany, as well as after the summer break at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone just under two weeks ago.
Crutchlow remains as backup in the background
During Zarco’s absence, LCR relied on a prominent replacement rider. The now 40-year-old Cal Crutchlow, who ended his active MotoGP career in 2020, stepped in for all six missed race weekends.
However, the Brit was unable to score any world championship points. It was especially close at the races in Hungary and the Netherlands, where he finished 16th each time.
Despite Zarco’s positive development, LCR apparently still plans to keep Crutchlow as backup. According to current plans, the Brit is also expected to travel to Aragon. So if Zarco unexpectedly fails the medical examination on the track, Crutchlow could step in again.
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Furthermore, Crutchlow is expected to be ready for the rest of the season if LCR Honda needs his services again. After the Aragon Grand Prix, there are still ten Grand Prix weekends left in the MotoGP calendar.
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