Johann Zarco avoids surgery, targets MotoGP comeback in September

French MotoGP rider Johann Zarco suffered multiple ligament injuries to his right knee in the Catalunya Grand Prix in May. After a reassessment by orthopaedic specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery‑Cottet in Lyon, the LCR Honda team announced that he will not undergo surgery because the inflammation has subsided and several ligaments are healing better than expected. Zarco will continue a non‑surgical rehabilitation program aimed at strengthening the knee, with a goal of returning to the track in September.

While he recovers, 40‑year‑old Briton Cal Crutchlow will replace Zarco at the Liqui Moly German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring. Crutchlow, who re‑joined MotoGP earlier this season, finished second among Honda riders in the recent Dutch TT sprint. Zarco said on social media, "I can now train again and already miss my team, my bike and the world of racing," adding that the rehab work will also benefit any future operation.