It was a tired but satisfied Jules that we found the day after his sixth place, synonymous with his best result in the Grand Prix. Back in the North of France, the Ongetta driver took the opportunity to review his race in order to progress, again, again and again.
This is certainly what differentiates it the most from the others; Jules Danilo is a hard worker. He constantly analyzes his performances, and it is his vision of the weekend that we offer you today.
Before starting the race, had you considered a specific strategy?
Jules Danilo: “Looking at the qualifying times I knew it was going to be close, like in Mugello. We were going to have to be very comfortable and incisive on the brakes. And thanks to my team, the bike allowed me to do it.
From the start of the race, I decided to stay calm because I felt that it was a little hectic up front, but I had to be careful that the leading group didn't separate. When I saw that I was in the top 10, I decided to stay in my position in order to save my tires, to be able to place my attacks at the end, while not being too far from the leaders.
It worked well because at the end there was a small break and I was able to instantly get back into the top five. It was enough to be quiet about the guys behind and concentrate on the lead. »
In the last lap we say to ourselves “I secure sixth place” or “I am aiming for the podium”?
“Me, clearly I wanted to overtake as many drivers as possible. It went fast on the last lap, that's actually where I set my best lap in the race. I didn't immediately realize that I could fight for the podium, it was really in the final straight before the chicane that I understood that I had a chance. Unfortunately in the break I was on the outside, and when the others recovered, I was forced to widen and I went out into the green, then into the grass. I couldn't take the last sector well, it's a bit of a shame, but I have to be satisfied with finishing sixth, so close to the lead and the podium. »
Is Assen a circuit that you like more than the others?
“No, not particularly. During the three weeks of cuts I was frustrated because in Barcelona I had a very solid weekend, and after two laps I was on the ground because of another driver. Plus I had hip pain, I couldn't train. I was disappointed and I wondered what it was going to be like at Assen because last year it was complicated, I was very far back on the grid, without any feeling. And finally, on Friday, as soon as I got back on the bike, I felt as good as I did in Barcelona. »
There is indeed a big progression compared to last year, where does that come from?
“I think it's a mix between the way I ride and the settings of the bike. Now every time we arrive at a new track, I find the same bike, it helps with my confidence.
And then I also changed the way I drive, especially in tight turns and when first applying the brakes. »
How did you manage to progress on these points?
“I think training with the Yamaha 125-YZF, on small tracks, helps. And then I knew I had a problem with the brakes last year, so I tried to change my technique because it's really a handicap, especially when overtaking. Now I'm much more comfortable, and in the race it allows you to be more serene, more lucid, you can more easily choose the places where you attack. »
Currently 13rd in the championship with 39 points, are you or the team aiming for a particular objective?
“The goal is to be in the top ten, all the time. I lost big points at Le Mans and Barcelona, where I honestly think I could have done as well as I did at Assen. Perhaps less well at Le Mans, but in Barcelona it was sure and certain. But now it's done, and I've gained experience, especially in fighting. In the future, I know I will have to be more aggressive to be in the top ten. »
Thank you Jules, and congratulations again. Work pays!
