Since 2009 until today, Johann Zarco has worn many decorations on his helmets. We asked him for different explanations.
Johann, can you remind us how your helmet has evolved over the years and what its different meanings are?
Johann zarco : “The decoration of the helmet started with this rising sun, this pretty sun which represents the Japanese drivers of the 90s era, when Laurent worked on the Grands Prix, when Ueda, Sakata, Wakai and many Japanese arrived and gave incredible performances. It was a nod to these Japanese and this Japanese spirit which was then “I go for it”. Then, we also realized that it showed very well on TV, so we said to ourselves “why not keep it?”.
Then, on the first versions, there were a lot of flags on the sides of the helmet, in the same spirit; this spirit of “respect to each driver, to each flag which represented a nationality”, whether it be Finland for Saarinen, Australia for Stoner and Doohan. So a lot of flags but, over time, I started to have my own image, so we said to ourselves that there was no longer any need to show this respect to the pilots because “I am now the pilot” and I highlighted the French flag, for our nation, and the Hungarian flag to remember that it was with Gabor Talmacsi that I was able to start the Grands Prix, because I was in Hungary, via the woman of Laurent who is Hungarian, and that's how we were able to have the first doors open in the Grand Prix, and so, we don't forget him and we keep Hungary in our heart.
And then the back of my helmet, at the beginning there was a “Tchin Tchin”; it was like a representation of the Fan Club. Then, it was a “Tchin Tchin” in diapers. When I got on the podium, we took off the diaper and “Tchin Tchin” became an adult. And now that we really have this ZF Grand Prix association, I wanted to put a photo of Laurent and me, to clearly announce to people that the adventure is for two, “You take Zarco, you take Fellon” because it is two of us that we function; He has the ideas, I go for it, and we’re moving forward very well that way.”
Below, you will find the different helmets that we were able to identify in 2011. In addition to his usual helmet whose flags have been slightly modified, the French pilot paid tribute to Tron (Le Mans), Gabor Talmacsi (Brno) and once again Jean Alesi (Mugello). If you know of other decorations, please let us know…
