In an interview with the Spanish website Motosan, Johann zarco spoke about his MotoGP career after a victory at Le Mans and a second place at Silverstone.
De Manuel Pecino / Motosan.es
Johann zarco This season he has proven that he can get the most out of his Honda, as he is the Japanese brand's top rider in the championship standings, in fifth place. The Frenchman spoke to us about his MotoGP career and who is Johann zarco outside the circuits.
Which victory was more emotional, the first at Phillip Island or the one at Le Mans?
"I prefer Le Mans. Because making history for France and getting this result for Honda means more to me than when I won [at Phillip Island], another one for Ducati.
Do you feel different from other drivers in terms of character or personality?
“No. I'm different from some riders, but not all. I dedicate my life to performing in MotoGP, and most riders do the same. The biggest difference is that I don't have the same hobbies, and I think that's maybe one of the biggest differences.”
When people talk about you in the press room, they think you're basically a racing biker, because some riders don't even ride road bikes, you know?
“Before I tried to perform on a motorcycle, I was on my scooter with my friends. I would stay in the parking lot and do some tricks on my scooter. So yes, I've used two wheels since I was a kid. I did some racing. I wanted a scooter when I was 15 to get around and be with my friends. So I think I discovered that feeling of freedom then. And even today, I need a motorcycle to get around because I hate traffic.”
And I heard that you came to some tests by driving from the south of France to Aragon, is that right?
“In 2021, I think. Yes, with a very old bike, the 1980 Ducati Dharma. And then Aragón was my worst result with a Ducati, so… I plan to go to Aragón with my X-ADV for the next race. But now that I live in Andorra, it’s easy to come. It’s not a road trip.”
Why do you think or why do you believe that you are considered the driver of all the fans? I mean, in Spanish, we say that you are "one of us"...
“You win fans when you can win or when you can be fast. And I think I am fast. And also maybe because I try to enjoy easy things. And a lot of people can find me on the track with a CBR bike. And that creates a closeness with people. We do some training with the bike and they see that I'm training with them. And I think they like that.”
You joined MotoGP in 2017. Since then, the bike's evolution has been immense. I imagine your riding has evolved as well...
“You try to change your riding style when you lack performance, or you repeat the same mistake, or you hit the same wall. And then you try to change things to find different limits. The evolution of motorcycles pushes you to understand what's going on, what you need to change to understand how to ride a motorcycle. For me, it's observing the best riders, and observing the newcomers. For me, Pedro Acosta is a great example. Because you see that he adapts very quickly, but with a natural talent. And I try to analyze these things. Because I've seen him since he was very young, and I know all the categories he's done. So I try to understand how he acquired this natural sense that I didn't acquire coming from another school.”
From the outside, we think Pedro Acosta brings something new. Do you think the same?
“I think so. I think he does some things better. He uses the new bikes better. He has this philosophy of being good at braking, at entering, and taking certain risks. I talk about risk-taking, but for him, maybe it's natural: it's not a risk, it's normal. Aldeguer is also a good example, because he comes more or less from the same school, with maybe a little less talent or natural sensitivity. But he's there. Ogura is also very interesting, because he has a different style. But he's also successful in MotoGP with an Aprilia, which is not an easy bike.”
Do you think all these fluctuations have diminished the importance of the rider in MotoGP? So the rider is less important?
“It’s hard to say. No, I don’t think so. Because when you understand what needs to be done, you can still make a big difference, and you see a big difference over the race distance. On a qualifying lap, maybe all the drivers are able to use all the technology, and the difference is very small. But then, over the race distance, you see who understands it better and who doesn’t.”
Do you have a favorite circuit other than Le Mans?
“My favorite place to race: Australia. Philip Island. This island is magical. The circuit is very beautiful and fast. In good conditions, it's a place where you feel very good on the track.”
And at the other end of the scale?
"For the location, not for the track, because every track is very interesting, but it was India. India was not a good place to race."
What will Johan Zarco do when he stops competing?
"I haven't thought about it, it's not the right time yet. I want to learn more about music, but it will be in my free time. Become a commentator, to come to the races. I think I'll do a little of that, because it will be a pleasure to continue living that experience. Do a little endurance racing..."
With your commitment to motorcycling, I sincerely believe that you could be a good president of the French Federation...
"Perhaps, but this job has a very political aspect. I know it's difficult, and the hardest part is playing by French rules. Even if you're president of the French Federation, you'll have to fight against the French state. And that's the hardest part."
You've raced for many different brands. What makes Honda different?
“What makes Honda special is the Japanese side of methodical work. And they have big goals. Even if sometimes the results seem bad, they always have a big goal. And you feel that there is a very strong will to do things. But they always try to control things so as not to make mistakes. They are the biggest brand, and they want to remain the biggest brand.”
Do you practice your famous backflip?
"No, I don't train. That's why I'm always a little afraid to do it. But I don't train. It's just that when you know how to do it, you do it. Le Mans was good because I had a good one."
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Manuel Pecino
MotoGP Interview Johann Zarco Pedro Acosta MotoGP Interview Johann Zarco Pedro Acosta MotoGP Interview Johann Zarco Pedro Acosta MotoGP Interview Johann Zarco Pedro Acosta
