Ducati’s Marquez claimed Saturday’s sprint win to regain the championship lead from his younger brother Alex.
The six-time world champion stretched his advantage to 22 points with second place on Sunday while Gresini Racing rookie Fermin Aldeguer came third for his first MotoGP podium.
Zarco’s victory ended a run of 22 straight wins for Ducati and lifted him to sixth in the overall standings, above compatriot Fabio Quartararo.
The 2021 world champion had hoped to be the home hero on Sunday after claiming pole but crashed out at the final corner on lap four.
Riders swapped bikes multiple times, with some choosing to start on slicks, and Zarco slipped back to 17th on lap one when he narrowly avoided a collision.
But he slowly made his way back through and when both Marc and Alex Marquez pitted again, Zarco took his chance.
Alex Marquez crashed out of third place late on as the celebrations began for the huge home support, which took the weekend crowd to 300,000 – the biggest in France in the MotoGP era.
“[It was a] crazy race, especially the first part, but Johann was faster today,” said Marc Marquez.
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