Far from the somewhat formatted communication of traditional press releases, the exchanges between the French pilot and the journalists in the Tech3 hospitality are of a richness and simplicity that true enthusiasts will appreciate (you can find all his past debriefs in our section (“Interviews").
There is always the little detail that immerses us more every day in the world of MotoGP…
As usual, we report here the entirety of the comments of Johann zarco, in a raw way, therefore without any journalistic formatting or distortion.
Johann zarco : “I expected to be stronger during the race, with the worn tires, but in the end, my opponents were also strong. I had a good start, but the first lap was a hot and difficult moment. When I look back on it all, I tried to overtake, but it was difficult. Maybe it wasn't the right time or opportunity; I almost fell and could have lost a lot more. That's why I lost a lot of positions, then I got a good feeling back, but I was limited from the front. It wasn't because of the tire, because even though it was a soft, the technicians said that the rubber was in pretty good condition after the race. So that means that if I was limited, it was possible that the balance of the bike was not as perfect as I felt to be stronger. This was the difficult part, but I am happy with the race. It was another good experience and a good move for the championship. It was like in Misano where it was difficult but in the end seventh place would have been pretty good. And here again we tried to do our best, and I finished in 9th position, 13 seconds behind the best riders. It's not that far, but I missed something to stay with this good group. When they passed Kallio, they escaped, and I don't think I was strong enough at that point. So it's kind of an experiment and I really hope that I learn how to use this to be stronger in the future. Stronger on myself to set up the bike, provide the right information, and also stronger with the team so that they can give me the fantastic feeling that you can usually get with the Yamaha. »
This was your first Grand Prix in Aragon with a MotoGP…
“That’s why I can be satisfied with this ninth position. I think the goal remains to be Rookie of the year. The drivers fighting with me had a tough race today, and I can also think about fighting with Crutchlow for the title of leading independent driver. Here he fell in front of me, so I knew that in the end my position was pretty good. »
With hindsight, would you have made a different tire choice?
“I'm happy because if I had had problems with the front tire only when braking, I could say that my choice would have been bad. But also in turns, so my choice was the right and safest: I also struggled a little there, but if I had a good medium, it could perhaps have been worse. So the choice was good, and, regarding the tires, I can say that I was able to fight with the group in front for fifth position. »
What assessment can you draw up today?
“Already, from a physical point of view, I am happy at this stage of the season. When I arrived in Aragon, I felt really in good shape. I finished a difficult race, I feel good, so I know that the 15 days before the next race will allow me, with the pace of our training, to be rested and in shape, and to tackle these three races overseas which, casually, whether from a mental or physical point of view, affects us. For my first season in MotoGP, I am not exhausted before leaving for the three races which affect the men. And when I see the difficulties that there may have been, here in Aragon, casually I'm not doing so badly. I'm really excited because there may be races overseas where maybe the track will help me more and I can get back to a top five battle, and why not, go for a podium. It remains the wish. »
These three races, you will start with Motegi where you have already tried the Suzuki. Will you be able to make a comparison?
“It’s true, yes. I think it's great to attack with Motegi. I can't say that I will really be able to compare my test with the Suzuki compared to my current stage with the Yamaha, but in my head, getting started will perhaps be faster, with more ease, and therefore a super nice Grand Prix in Japan would give me good momentum for Australia and Malaysia. »
You say that you still have a little trouble giving the right information to your team and that you need to improve on that…
“I think, because when you have problems, you have to be able to analyze them well. We ride at the limit, so ultimately we are at the limit with the front tire, we slide from the rear, we try to make the bike turn better: we are always looking for better, better, better. And when I say managing to give a good comment, it's “the one I really need for the race”. And I think that some people, like Valentino, know how to do this to perfection. »
Are you impressed by what he did?
" Yes ! I saluted him again, because what he did this weekend was great. I was going like a hornet to finish in front of him, because I'm younger and I'm in shape, but his mental strength and his technical strength took over. It's beautiful and it motivates me: when you see that the guy does the third time and finishes fifth even though he's not in great shape, you tell yourself that it's really a question of feeling. And as my feeling evolves, I am happy to say to myself “don’t give up, you’ll get there”. »
