Johann Zarco is edging closer to a MotoGP return after making faster than expected progress in his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered at the Catalan Grand Prix.
The French rider tore three knee ligaments in the crash, raising fears that his season could be over. However, two of the damaged ligaments have healed well enough that surgery is no longer required, significantly improving his chances of returning before the end of the campaign.
Speaking to Canal+, Zarco described his recovery as "a bit of a miracle" and admitted he was relieved to avoid an operation that would have sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Zarco believes the nature of motorcycle racing has helped his recovery, as the knee is subjected to less impact than in sports such as football or skiing. With surgery no longer necessary, he has resumed normal physical training and plans to return to riding a motorcycle for training in early or mid-August.
"Being able to train normally again gives you life as an athlete," Zarco said, adding that his goal is to return only when he is fully prepared rather than rushing back too soon.
Although the British Grand Prix appears to come too early, the Aragon Grand Prix later in August is emerging as a realistic target for his return.
Whenever Zarco makes his comeback, he will have to serve a double long-lap penalty. The punishment was handed down after MotoGP stewards ruled that he was responsible for the first-corner collision at the Catalan Grand Prix that triggered the chain of events leading to his injury.
Looking back on the incident, Zarco admitted his biggest regret was taking the restart after the initial crash. He revealed debris from the opening accident had struck his foot, leaving it bruised before the second start.
"I'm angry at myself for going back out because I should have stayed in the pits," Zarco said.
Despite that regret, Zarco's rapid recovery has transformed what once looked like a season-ending injury into a realistic opportunity to return before the close of the 2026 MotoGP campaign.
