MotoGP Catalan GP

Johann Zarco to wait several weeks before undergoing surgery

Zarco's participation in coming MotoGP races is in doubt as doctor reveals surgery plans

Vincent Lalanne-Sicaud

Edited: May 19, 2026, 2:02 PM

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Johann Zarco, Team LCR Honda

Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images

Johann Zarco is facing what is likely to be a lengthy recovery period following his left leg injury - primarily to the knee - sustained at the Catalan Grand Prix.

After being examined by knee specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, Zarco knows he will need surgery but the procedure won’t be possible for a few weeks.

During the second restart in Barcelona on Sunday, Zarco crashed into the bikes of Francesco Bagnaia and Luca Marini, and his left leg became trapped between the wheel and the upper part of Bagnaia’s bike.

It was confirmed that evening that he had sustained injuries to the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, the medial meniscus and the fibula of his left leg.

Zarco flew back to France, and on Tuesday he met with Dr. Sonnery-Cottet, a leading specialist in knee injuries who has treated numerous athletes, including several famous footballers. Surgery will be necessary, but it will be some time before it can be scheduled.

"On Tuesday 19th May, Johann Zarco visited doctor Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet in Lyon, a world-renowned consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in Lyon, France, specialising in the management of knee ligament injuries and sports trauma, to further assess his physical condition," read a statement from LCR.

"Following a thorough examination, it is estimated that he will need to wait a couple of weeks before undergoing surgery for the damage to his ligaments, allowing the initial trauma and other injuries to his knee some time to heal before the procedure.

"Following the surgery, a detailed recovery plan will be established, allowing the medical team to evaluate a possible timeline for his return.

"The whole Castrol Honda LCR team is in close contact with Johann Zarco and will continue to provide updates as the date gets closer."

La jambe de Johann Zarco est restée coincée dans la moto de Pecco Bagnaia.

Johann Zarco’s leg got caught in Pecco Bagnaia’s motorcycle.

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

Several riders are scheduled for medical evaluations following the Catalan Grand Prix, which was marked by several major accidents. Alex Marquez, who suffered a heavy crash in a separate incident from Zarco’s on Sunday, is also set to undergo tests this week to determine whether surgery is necessary on his slightly fractured C7 vertebra. An operation on his collarbone was already performed on Monday.

Fabio Di Giannantonio, struck by debris from Marquez’s bike, won the race but missed Monday’s test due to pain in his left hand. Bagnaia, meanwhile, is set to undergo an examination of his left wrist following the crash with Zarco.

Jorge Martin also made a trip to the hospital after a crash during Monday’s test. Tests revealed no fractures.

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