On this Saturday, June 24, 2017, Johann Zarco obtained his first pole position in the MotoGP category on the Assen circuit. As Grand Prix pole sitter, he therefore spoke during the official post-qualifying press conference.
However, and to our greatest pleasure, he then did not miss his daily meeting with the press in the hospitality of the Tech3 team. 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.
What do you want to say?
“What happiness! Being at the press conference and being the leader of the day is exceptional. When you take a pole in Moto3 or Moto2, you are always at one end (in a press conference). There, we're the center of attention and that's cool. So I realize and I enjoy. Afterwards, it's a continuation of the potential of the bike, of what I was able to discover and of what I'm also capable of doing, and that's the best! When the opportunity presents itself, you have to take it. So live in the present, and like I was able to do today, concentrate when necessary, and that works. »
You said you were aiming for the podium, and maybe better. What does it mean ?
“That means living in the present, and a victory presents itself, so not stressing out and staying focused on what I know how to do to get it. But how I would like. The goal is really to build a great career in MotoGP and to one day be able to compete for a title. So, it will go through several podiums and then, once I have understood the rhythm of the podiums, to be able to work to get the victories. Grow in power. Afterwards, a splash, why not? »
Given the two dry sessions, given that the race is expected to be dry, do you feel ready, or will the Warm up be important to find adjustments?
“The Warm up is important for the body, for the head, to establish a rhythm and benchmarks in the dry. Especially in the dry in cool conditions, because tomorrow the Warm up will be tricky. Getting a good feeling will help for the race. »
Among your most serious opponents, Vinales is still far away on the grid…
" Yes. To see the tire we are using... Even if it means starting on soft, you have to try to start in front, and then relax to set a good pace. Be strong at the start of the race because the track is tight, so it's better to be at the front. I think Marquez knows how to manage, so whoever is in front, he will wait until he has warmed up the tires well, and when he has his rhythm, I think he can start regularly , him. On the other hand, if Vinales gets involved in the fight, we’ll see…
For me, the goal, if we go soft, is to be in the lead! »
You said "I'm going to do as I always did, I'm going to take my time ". But now, you're not taking your time...
“It's true, but yes, I take my time so as not to make too many mistakes, and it's so much the better to already be at this level. It motivates and it bodes well because if I start at this level and I progress, then the goal of victories can be achieved. »
Olivier Jacque was about to win the race when he took pole, Régis Laconi won the race when he took pole… Can history inspire?
" Yes. It can be an inspiration. Afterwards, you have to take advantage of what comes your way, and above all have a good race until the end. »
On the pleasure scale, where does this pole compare to your podium?
“When I did my time and went first, I saw that I was one of the first to cross the line, so I waited. And I really expected to get beaten to the wire and to have, not rage but a little disappointment, and to say “damn”. In the end, there was no disappointment, and there it was quite moving because I said to myself “wow, it’s great, pole position”. It's no point but it's such a great satisfaction that I was really happy. Because we really give our best, everyone gives their best, and when someone passes you by, you stick out your tongue and say to yourself “damn, what more could I do? ». There was nothing more to do there. »
There, you were at the top of the poster…
" That's it ! »
Do you remember your first pole in Moto2?
“2014, Silverstone, in the dry. I still remember the lap and it was my first pole in Moto2. It was September and the next day I was fourth. I fought a bit for the podium but I was a bit on the limit and finished fourth. But I know that it was from there that I started to get into the rhythm of the outposts. Since September 2014, I had announced that I was going to finish the season well and that I had to keep this pace to start 2015 well. And I was champion, so I remember it well! (Laughs). »
