If the Circuit of The Americas can hardly be considered the Frenchman's favorite track, he has nevertheless achieved excellent results in Moto2, with two podiums in the last two years. There is no doubt about his current form, after his rise in Argentina from fourteenth place on the grid to fifth final position.
In his progression towards the lead of the race, Johann achieved the eighth best lap time, just 0.265 behind the fastest time of the race. Maverick Vinales. At the World Championship, Zarco finds himself mid-field after two events, occupying eleventh position with a total of 11 points.
For Johann, “The Circuit of The Americas is impressive and I am convinced that I can achieve a good result there with my Yamaha. The route is demanding because there are twenty turns, and it is physical. However, I have a good record in Texas and have finished on the podium twice in the last two years in Moto2.
“At the moment my feelings on the YZR-M1 are excellent, and after fifth place in Argentina I want to stay at this level. Still, when we start, I will stay relaxed and I will work with the team and on myself because it is essential to understand the direction we need to take because there are so many turns.
“If you make a small mistake, it takes almost half a lap to recover, so it's more important to work on the driver and find the perfect line, rather than focusing too much on the ideal setup. Nevertheless, I am keen to race in America, and I am going there with a high level of motivation because, at the moment, my feeling is wonderful. »
According to Hervé Poncharal, his team manager, “ The upcoming Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, is the event that the entire paddock is always waiting for. However, it is especially important for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team because we always have great support from Yamaha USA, who look after us so well, and I have to mention Bob Starr, who lives up to his last name so well !
“This race is also very important for us because our main sponsor, Monster Energy, is American, as are our other sponsors Stanley Black and Decker and we will do our best to represent these two partners in a positive way.
“After the great weekend we had in Argentina, our two drivers returned to Europe where they had a well-deserved rest and did some training. Now it's time to head to Texas, and both love the Austin track, plus I think what they achieved in the last GP has boosted their confidence.
“Johann and Jonas know they can finish in the top six, so the challenge will be to fight for a similar result this time too. There were a few crashes in Argentina, but if our guys can get into the top eight and ahead of some of the top riders, it will be a great race.
“Everyone in the team is fully motivated and the weekend between Argentina and Texas was well received, but now we are ready to put on a good show for our American fans and friends. »
Photos: Johann Zarco during the Argentine GP © Tech 3
