{"id":2118447,"date":"2026-08-29T16:06:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T13:06:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2118447"},"modified":"2026-08-29T16:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T13:06:08","slug":"great-sprint-for-johann-zarco-jokes-penalty-could-help-on-sunday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2118447","title":{"rendered":"\u201cGreat Sprint\u201d for Johann Zarco, jokes penalty could help on Sunday"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>\u201cGreat Sprint\u201d for Johann Zarco, jokes penalty could help on Sunday<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Johann Zarco marked his MotoGP comeback with a \u201cgreat Sprint\u201d and joked Sunday\u2019s double long lap penalty will help his tyre pressure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-08-29T17:06:08+01:00\">29 Aug 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Zarco scores a point on MotoGP comeback<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Johann Zarco converted a ninth-place start on his MotoGP comeback into his first Sprint point since Catalunya.<\/p>\n<p>That was the day before Zarco suffered knee ligament injuries in a nasty Turn 1 accident that kept him sidelined for more than 100 days.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m feeling happy with this ninth position in qualifying and the sprint,\u201d said Zarco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGetting a point means the weekend already feels beneficial, even if coming back on the bike was the main thing.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cBut once you start to feel good, and you have the performance, as a competitor, you try to do as well as possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, that was a great sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Saturday also marked Zarco\u2019s first race start since the front ride-height device ban and introduction of the new, wider grid spacing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery surprised with the start because it was pretty good, but I was very careful in the first braking,\u201d he said. \u201cJust because of the track, not too much because of the accident in Catalunya.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cWithout the device, it should be easier for the first braking, but I needed to take a bit more feeling for this.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco battles Pecco Bagnaia, 2026 Aragon MotoGP Sprint.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIt doesn&#8217;t make the start more difficult. Just you have a bit more wheelie, so you start a bit slower. But for the race, I think the reference of the other guys helped me to manage this wheelie and go quite fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve also done many starts in my life without any device, so as a rider, I think we all have the capacity to adapt!\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e8e19232b79de768ec00111f1158e11c511de6936cd31c0a9ad55b55966c0bc9\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Starting grid for the 2026 Aragon MotoGP race<\/li>\n<li>Johann Zarco thanks Pecco Bagnaia for his &#8220;humanity\u201d after horror MotoGP crash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The LCR Honda rider even overtook factory Ducati star Pecco Bagnaia to hold eighth during the early stages.<\/p>\n<p>He later lost a place to fellow returnee Fermin Aldeguer before finishing in the wheeltracks of Raul Fernandez.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI was happy to feel quite good, to feel able to attack Pecco, and then even try to catch Fernandez,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI cannot say my mistake, but maybe staying behind Fernandez, trying to find the place to overtake, but not doing it straight away, was the moment where things became difficult because the front tyre got hot, and I lost time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAldeguer came, and when he overtook me, I lost too much distance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, Zarco\u2019s injured left knee also stood up well to the intensity of a MotoGP Sprint.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe Sprint is always difficult physically, because it&#8217;s very intense. But the body was answering pretty well. No pain on the knee, just a little cramping in the legs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo just need to keep training to feel very strong during all the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Sunday penalty<\/h2>\n<p>Zarco will need to serve a double long lap penalty on Sunday for causing the Catalunya accident, but is not ruling out scoring more points.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think tomorrow, with the two long laps, I still have the possibility to do points, because there are still many guys behind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy feeling and my pace looks quite good, so I have the possibility to make points.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAnd because I have these two long laps, maybe it&#8217;s an opportunity to keep my front tyre cooler!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rookie team-mate Diogo Moreira finished as the top Honda rider in seventh.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Johann Zarco<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">LCR Honda<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> \u201cRiding on ice\u201d &#8211; Ducati MotoGP title hopeful explains Aragon sprint crash <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Fabio Quartararo \u201cknew something was wrong\u201d before Yamaha MotoGP engine blow-up <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-efbb53b35663ea5871e26f87435de7c1dbc745b55a4aef3d6dee8931c7515fb0\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-b95d989160b60da4952e7d58d4551f481a8f0b373e8e5f23161310a703dd63f6\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 Aragon MotoGP Qualifying &amp; Sprint today: Start times and how to watch<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1235354_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, 2025 Aragon MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWow, that\u2019s intense!\u201d &#8211; Johann Zarco top Honda on MotoGP comeback at Aragon<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338227_hires_1600x900_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe needed him\u201d: LCR Honda \u2018relieved\u2019 by stunning Johann Zarco Aragon MotoGP return<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1337851_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Johann Zarco, 2026 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix. Credit: Gold and Goose.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 Aragon MotoGP &#8211; Friday Practice Results<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1337917_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Aragon MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cI still dream\u201d &#8211; \u201cSpeed addict\u201d Johann Zarco ready for MotoGP return at Aragon<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1337574_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The 2027 MotoGP rider line-up and rumours so far<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/yfr_editorial_use_pictures_20481777257_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Izan Guevara and Toprak Razgatlioglu will form Pramac Yamaha&apos;s 2027 rider line-up (Yamaha).\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-4717e5025c17482a21a0128348ebe44c321f4e2acb78c7b93feeb0aeb618830b\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cA big mess\u201d &#8211; Unseen incidents shake up opening lap of Aragon MotoGP Sprint<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788023455\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338893_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338893_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338893_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The MotoGP grid gaffe that left Pedro Acosta \u201creally struggling\u201d in Aragon Sprint<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788021668\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338271_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338271_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338271_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fabio Quartararo \u201cknew something was wrong\u201d before Yamaha MotoGP engine blow-up<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788020658\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339604_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339604_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339604_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cGreat Sprint\u201d for Johann Zarco, jokes penalty could help on Sunday<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788019568\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cRiding on ice\u201d &#8211; Ducati MotoGP title hopeful explains Aragon sprint crash<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788018728\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338897_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338897_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338897_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"main-lists block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-2f5bbc02ec6770736fe6c7915221c354fb3d3a6fdb8d663b768ea84b0207c1c9\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jorge Martin \u201cnot really enjoying on the bike\u201d at low-grip Aragon MotoGP<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788018673\"> 2h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1337916_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1337916_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1337916_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi: Tyre choice not the reason for Aragon MotoGP Sprint defeat<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788016878\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339117_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339117_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339117_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Losing a lot&#8221; &#8211; Alex Marquez uses Marc to tackle Aragon MotoGP \u201chomework\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788016508\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339125_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339125_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339125_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez says \u201crisky\u201d Aragon MotoGP sprint overtake was \u201conly chance\u201d to win<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788015609\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339062_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339062_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339062_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Starting grid for the 2026 Aragon MotoGP race<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1788015308\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338775_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338775_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338775_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Johann Zarco marked his MotoGP comeback with a \u201cgreat Sprint\u201d and joked Sunday\u2019s double long lap penalty will help his tyre pressure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Johann Zarco converted a ninth-place start on his MotoGP comeback into his first Sprint point since Catalunya.<\/p>\n<p>That was the day before Zarco suffered knee ligament injuries in a nasty Turn 1 accident that kept him sidelined for more than 100 days.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m feeling happy with this ninth position in qualifying and the sprint,\u201d said Zarco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGetting a point means the weekend already feels beneficial, even if coming back on the bike was the main thing.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cBut once you start to feel good, and you have the performance, as a competitor, you try to do as well as possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, that was a great sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Saturday also marked Zarco\u2019s first race start since the front ride-height device ban and introduction of the new, wider grid spacing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery surprised with the start because it was pretty good, but I was very careful in the first braking,\u201d he said. \u201cJust because of the track, not too much because of the accident in Catalunya.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cWithout the device, it should be easier for the first braking, but I needed to take a bit more feeling for this.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco battles Pecco Bagnaia, 2026 Aragon MotoGP Sprint.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIt doesn&#8217;t make the start more difficult. Just you have a bit more wheelie, so you start a bit slower. But for the race, I think the reference of the other guys helped me to manage this wheelie and go quite fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve also done many starts in my life without any device, so as a rider, I think we all have the capacity to adapt!\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e8e19232b79de768ec00111f1158e11c511de6936cd31c0a9ad55b55966c0bc9\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Starting grid for the 2026 Aragon MotoGP race<\/li>\n<li>Johann Zarco thanks Pecco Bagnaia for his &#8220;humanity\u201d after horror MotoGP crash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The LCR Honda rider even overtook factory Ducati star Pecco Bagnaia to hold eighth during the early stages.<\/p>\n<p>He later lost a place to fellow returnee Fermin Aldeguer before finishing in the wheeltracks of Raul Fernandez.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI was happy to feel quite good, to feel able to attack Pecco, and then even try to catch Fernandez,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI cannot say my mistake, but maybe staying behind Fernandez, trying to find the place to overtake, but not doing it straight away, was the moment where things became difficult because the front tyre got hot, and I lost time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAldeguer came, and when he overtook me, I lost too much distance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, Zarco\u2019s injured left knee also stood up well to the intensity of a MotoGP Sprint.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe Sprint is always difficult physically, because it&#8217;s very intense. But the body was answering pretty well. No pain on the knee, just a little cramping in the legs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo just need to keep training to feel very strong during all the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Sunday penalty<\/h2>\n<p>Zarco will need to serve a double long lap penalty on Sunday for causing the Catalunya accident, but is not ruling out scoring more points.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think tomorrow, with the two long laps, I still have the possibility to do points, because there are still many guys behind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy feeling and my pace looks quite good, so I have the possibility to make points.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAnd because I have these two long laps, maybe it&#8217;s an opportunity to keep my front tyre cooler!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rookie team-mate Diogo Moreira finished as the top Honda rider in seventh.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Johann Zarco converted a ninth-place start on his MotoGP comeback into his first Sprint point since Catalunya.<\/p>\n<p>That was the day before Zarco suffered knee ligament injuries in a nasty Turn 1 accident that kept him sidelined for more than 100 days.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m feeling happy with this ninth position in qualifying and the sprint,\u201d said Zarco.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGetting a point means the weekend already feels beneficial, even if coming back on the bike was the main thing.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339540_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cBut once you start to feel good, and you have the performance, as a competitor, you try to do as well as possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, that was a great sprint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Saturday also marked Zarco\u2019s first race start since the front ride-height device ban and introduction of the new, wider grid spacing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVery surprised with the start because it was pretty good, but I was very careful in the first braking,\u201d he said. \u201cJust because of the track, not too much because of the accident in Catalunya.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cWithout the device, it should be easier for the first braking, but I needed to take a bit more feeling for this.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339200_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco battles Pecco Bagnaia, 2026 Aragon MotoGP Sprint.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cIt doesn&#8217;t make the start more difficult. Just you have a bit more wheelie, so you start a bit slower. But for the race, I think the reference of the other guys helped me to manage this wheelie and go quite fast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve also done many starts in my life without any device, so as a rider, I think we all have the capacity to adapt!\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-e8e19232b79de768ec00111f1158e11c511de6936cd31c0a9ad55b55966c0bc9\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Starting grid for the 2026 Aragon MotoGP race<\/li>\n<li>Johann Zarco thanks Pecco Bagnaia for his &#8220;humanity\u201d after horror MotoGP crash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The LCR Honda rider even overtook factory Ducati star Pecco Bagnaia to hold eighth during the early stages.<\/p>\n<p>He later lost a place to fellow returnee Fermin Aldeguer before finishing in the wheeltracks of Raul Fernandez.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI was happy to feel quite good, to feel able to attack Pecco, and then even try to catch Fernandez,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1338264_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Johann Zarco, 2026 Aragon MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cI cannot say my mistake, but maybe staying behind Fernandez, trying to find the place to overtake, but not doing it straight away, was the moment where things became difficult because the front tyre got hot, and I lost time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAldeguer came, and when he overtook me, I lost too much distance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, Zarco\u2019s injured left knee also stood up well to the intensity of a MotoGP Sprint.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe Sprint is always difficult physically, because it&#8217;s very intense. But the body was answering pretty well. No pain on the knee, just a little cramping in the legs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo just need to keep training to feel very strong during all the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Sunday penalty<\/h2>\n<p>Zarco will need to serve a double long lap penalty on Sunday for causing the Catalunya accident, but is not ruling out scoring more points.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think tomorrow, with the two long laps, I still have the possibility to do points, because there are still many guys behind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy feeling and my pace looks quite good, so I have the possibility to make points.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cAnd because I have these two long laps, maybe it&#8217;s an opportunity to keep my front tyre cooler!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rookie team-mate Diogo Moreira finished as the top Honda rider in seventh.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1103267\/1\/great-sprint-johann-zarco-jokes-penalty-could-help-sunday&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/gng_1339549_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] \u201cGreat Sprint\u201d for Johann Zarco, jokes penalty could help on Sunday Johann Zarco marked his MotoGP comeback with a \u201cgreat Sprint\u201d and joked Sunday\u2019s double long lap penalty will help his tyre pressure. Peter McLaren 29 Aug 2026 Share Zarco scores a point on MotoGP comeback \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Prefer Crash.Net on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2118447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2118447"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2118447\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2118447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2118447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2118447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}