After winning his second consecutive World Champion title, Johann Zarco spoke at the post-race press conference in Sepang.
As usual, we therefore offer you a full “raw” translation of the French pilot’s words, without any formatting or journalistic distortion.
Congratulations. What can you tell us?
“I'm very happy to win the title because I felt a lot of pressure throughout the season. The goal was clear when I started the year; win for the second time, but it didn't start well in Qatar with the early departure. Then, in the second half of the season, after scoring my first victories, I lost a lot of points and all my advantage. It wasn't easy because I felt a lot of pressure, but I was able to reverse the dynamic. In the end, I finally won the title and it's incredible, because I didn't imagine myself resisting such pressure in Valencia, if the championship was decided there. »
Is this the best way to get into MotoGP?
“I learned a lot from this season, and it was a big decision to do a second year in Moto2 and gain all this experience. Now I am a better driver and I also manage races better. I understand more things than if I had only been champion once. »
What did you have in mind when you were behind Morbidelli?
“The straights are very long here, and I had time to think about everything. Should I stay behind or should I attack? When the track was wetter I didn't feel very strong, but in the last eight laps when the track started to dry I felt more comfortable on the bike. I saw Folger coming back pretty hard from behind, and I didn't like having to be in the middle of a fight between three drivers, because it's easier to make a mistake. Any attempt to overtake could put me on the ground because it was still wet outside the lines. But really, I felt very strong and so I took the lead, and, with my pace, I was able to have a good advantage which allowed me to win the race. »
How does this title compare to last year?
“It’s more exciting. I tried not to cry too much, but this time I really cried. Last year I became champion on Friday, at a time and place I never imagined. I also remember winning the race on Sunday, but actually I knew since Friday that I was champion, so I was much more relaxed. Today was a more normal situation than fighting for the title, and more difficult because to be champion I had to cross the finish line. But I re-released the title by getting on the first step of the podium, which makes me very happy. When I crossed the finish line and put my foot down, all the emotions overwhelmed me. I felt all the pressure go away and not having to play for the title in two weeks in Valencia. »
Almost all riders except Marquez suffered during their first year in MotoGP. How do you see this challenge?
“There were some drivers who suffered, others who did very well, but Marquez is an exception compared to the whole. The fight to win this Moto2 championship for the second time helped me a lot, and now I am more ready to make the jump to MotoGP. I will go there in the best possible way, as world champion, like last year, but now with two titles, which is better than one. »
What are your expectations for next year, in MotoGP with Tech 3?
“It would be nice to get on the podium. This year, with the new electronics and with the tires, we saw nine different winners. I'm not blind, victories are no longer a question of just four drivers. It's a good time to come into this category because people have seen that it is possible to win. »
You will have Jonas Folger as your teammate, who was third today…
“In 2008, I met Jonas and we slept in the same room. We started together in the World Championship and every time I was world champion, he was with me on the podium. It's a great story that will continue next year when we are teammates in MotoGP. »
How would you describe your style?
“Sometimes I can seem aggressive, but only when I'm overtaking, because that's when you have to take risks. In the regular rhythm, I have a more fluid style. For example today, when the asphalt was dry, I had a better feeling with the wet tires. So, I would say I'm a pretty good driver. »
You suffered more in the first part of the season. Was it difficult to adapt to the new chassis?
“It’s possible, yes. Last year I had the 2014 chassis and most of the people riding the Kalex had the 2015 version. We couldn't have it because we were a new team, and we had to use the old one. This year, as champions, we had to use the new chassis, and it was not an easy job to adapt to it. It seemed like the bike could be faster on different circuits, but it cost us. The key is that the bike is more sensitive, and I am a very sensitive rider, and if there are not good conditions I lose the feeling and I am slower than last year. »
You have a flying school like Valentino, he says he learns from it and it helps him stay younger. What do you get out of it?
“I'm not 37 and I'm still young. The school is interesting, but we don't do exactly the same things as Valentino. We start with riders who have their first experience on a motorcycle, while those from the Academy (from Rossi) are a step above and already working on Moto3 and Moto2. If we can get these guys into Moto3 it would be a dream. It helps me remember how I started and how hard it is to get to the top. Because I'm here today, but we have to fight to stay, because it's easy to fall back. Also for the future of motorcycles in France. We don't have that many riders, because the passion for motorcycling has dropped in recent years. We want to rekindle this passion. Children need an icon in France to get involved in MotoGP. If it can be me, great. »
