We invite you to look back in detail on the three days of testing carried out by Johann Zarco on the Losail circuit. To do this, we reproduce here all of these daily declarations during its various Media Debriefs. So you'll know just as much as the journalists who came to Monster Yamaha Tech3 hospitality after each day of testing in Qatar.
D3: Sunday
fter positioning himself at 0,8 seconds during the first two days of testing, Johann Zarco reaped the benefits of his methodical approach during the final day of winter testing. More regular, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider, more consistent, is more confident day by day, it is in fact closer to 0 of Maverick Vinales, and above all to less than a tenth of his teammate.
It was therefore a happy Johann Zarco who ended his session well before the last engines died down on the Losail circuit in Qatar.
Johann zarco : “Today, the tests were very good. I did a race simulation and it was very good to have more experience and feel how the bike behaves after 22 laps. I haven't been extremely fast but I think experience is the most important and, anyway, I've been very consistent. Confidence improved throughout these three days and on the last day I was able to use the soft tire better and set a good time. So it's very positive to finish the test in this way and it can help me start at a better level on Thursday of the race weekend. »
Did this racing simulation teach you anything or was it a confirmation?
“At the moment it's still too fresh and we need more time to analyze what I can learn from these rounds. What I can see, and it's often because of the way I ride and also swing; I don't do a fast time before slowing down lap after lap. I can be very regular, and this simulation was not very fast but very regular. I think if I can gain 5 tenths per lap, I could keep it lap after lap. It's my advantage to be regular but it also corresponds to not finding performance when my tire is still very fresh. »
Are you satisfied with the level of confidence you have now achieved?
» Yes, very satisfied! Qatar is a nice circuit, also fast and, once you get the hang of it, the potential of the Yamaha there is really fantastic. Now, when I can be close to the top drivers, it makes me smile and gives me great motivation. »
The difference with your teammate is also very small now...
" Yes ! And that's really good because he's been really fast since yesterday. You can always improve and, as I've said since the start of testing, it's really good that we're both competitive because the whole team is moving forward together. »
Could you be a surprise in the first race?
» I don't expect it to be a surprise. I just want to do my job as best as possible and end up happy. But being a surprise would mean not being good all year, and being a surprise once. I'm really keeping my feet on the ground and just waiting for the race weekend to do a good job. »
What are you going to do in the days you have left before the start of the season?
» I think in the end we will only have nine days at home. So I'm going to rest, do Supermotard and physical training to be in the best shape when I take the plane on Tuesday in eight. »
