MotoGP Aragón Johann Zarco on BT Sport: “test rider is the most realistic option”

Brutally laid off by KTM, Johann Zarco nevertheless went to the paddock of the Motorland Aragón circuit where he took advantage of the cameras of various French and foreign televisions to explain his current situation.

After Canal +, the double French world champion gave an interview to the British channel BT Sport.

Here is a translation of his remarks.

Johann zarco : “It’s a bit strange. I was shocked when Pit (Beirer) called me on Tuesday. It was around noon, simply to tell me “don't come to Aragón, or to the other races either. » So the way we agreed for next year, it was something not planned but something possible. I didn't expect them to do it because it was clear that I wanted to finish the season properly, in the most professional way possible, both for me and for them, to give my best and finish the job of This year. But they prefer to have Mika (Kallio) to develop the bike.

So I was in shock on Tuesday, and now, more than two days later, I feel better: it's not the end of the world (laughs)! I can now fully concentrate on the future but the worst thing for me is not to be on a MotoGP during the next month, because the month which is coming, in October, is very important, because it gave me a lot of good feelings. Now I don't know and I won't be on a motorbike: it's strange but now it gives me a pure hungry feeling inside which will be useful when I get back on a motorbike again. »

Is Yamaha test rider the option at the moment?

“Test riders is the most realistic way, whether for Yamaha or for others. I'm free to talk to everyone, and because of my position I'm lucky enough to be able to talk directly to important people to see what we can do. Of course, I have good interest from many of them, and like I said, as a test driver, I want to be very quick to prepare for the future. It is therefore not the same speech as a retired test pilot who wants to continue to ride a motorcycle. This is why it can be interesting for many brands. There isn't a big emergency right now so I'm considering the best option and waiting. »

Do you regret your decision?

" No ! No regrets at all. For me it was a difficult decision but I went to see them and I talked with them in a way to be really honest and not prepare a hidden plan. And I announced this relatively early to prepare myself and to prepare them, so that there would be no surprises. So they did not act in the same way. KTM and I each made big decisions this year, but didn't act in the same way to make them. »

Do you think you have a good chance of coming back?

“I think I have three or four years where I can be at the top here in MotoGP. I feel something can be done and that's why I made the decision not to continue next year, is to have the chance to get another bike if that is possible. As a test rider it would be a bit of a so-so year, but if I can be fast, I'll be fast! »