Before going to the official press conference, Johann Zarco answered questions from journalists, in a small group, in the hospitality of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team.
We report here the entire press briefing without any formatting.
What state of mind are you in before this French Grand Prix?
Johann Zarco: “the state of mind? I am calm and happy because the latest results have been excellent and extremely motivating because there is always constant progress which bodes well for the rest of the season. So, I don't come with any additional pressure since I still have this outsider spirit and this pleasure of performing. So the pressure will undoubtedly increase when I attack the first sessions on Friday, because being around more people outside and hearing all the fans shouting at the podium, unconsciously that plays a role. With experience, now, I'm learning to live with it, and having been able to manage it last year to rehearse the second title, it allows me to take the subject much more lightly this year. »
How do you approach the weather conditions which seem uncomplicated throughout the weekend?
“There, it’s always adaptation. We really have a motorcycle ready for the rain and a motorcycle ready for the dry. The work can be the same, even in the rain if we have rainy conditions throughout the weekend. There is a new asphalt that some riders have discovered, others not, and I think it can only give confidence because it will provide a lot more grip, and it allows you to relax on the bike . So there is no plan to make on the comet, just adapt when you get on the bike, and stay focused. »
Did you ride here during the Michelin tests?
“No, I was not one of those who did these tests. Yamaha was able to carry out tests and it is already fundamental. All it takes is for both Yamahas to have ridden, or even just one, and the Japanese know how to make the connection with our team. »
What are your expectations here, realistically?
“It’s realistic to dream of a podium on a day like this (rain). I can get close, I progress during the race: I know that in Argentina, I had difficulties when the tire was wearing out, in Texas, I managed to perform well until mid-race , and in Jerez, ultimately it was the last third of the race which was difficult. So it’s a sign that, each time, I manage to reduce this gap. So I remain focused on this work of evolution and progression in racing. Whatever the circuit, we feel progress and that's why I say that it bodes well for the next races. Here at Le Mans, everyone repeats “Zarco podium”, so we dream of that, but we shouldn't panic if it doesn't happen this weekend. »
Is tire wear still the motorcycle's handicap at the moment?
“It’s an experience to manage all the elements. The extra power that there is on these motorcycles, more than 270 horsepower, is not nothing but we have electronic tools that allow us to manage this wear over the race distance, and for that, it is really necessary increase your feelings to manage as best you can. There is also work on the suspensions, etc., and after the Jerez race, we did some tests which seem to have taken us another small step forward. And when we discover this progress, it's really in constant conditions in the dry. Now we'll have to see what happens this weekend. »
In which sector do you think you have progressed the most since Qatar?
“Better understand my motorcycle, better know how to use all the elements that I have on hand, that is to say that I have a technician for the suspensions, I have a technician for the electronics, a technician for the chassis: you have to know how to say the right comments to the right people, and that's what allowed me to progress in racing. »
At the start of the season, you said that your weak point was exiting corners. Have you also progressed in this area?
“Yes, and that’s what allows me to waste less time at the end of the race. In my opinion, this remains one of the points where I need to feel more and more comfortable, but it is clear that there has been progress. »
Some of the English press compared you to Gary McCoy because of your smoking rear tire slipping...
“That's the English people from Marseillais who must have said that (laughs) because, firstly, they can't see me sideways, and it was in Argentina where my tire smoked a lot because I had a different tire from the others, and on this race, sliding helped me at the start of the race. »
Physically, are you still climbing Mont Ventoux?
“Not regularly but at least once a year for the pleasure of being at the top, but my physical program is established according to the form and what we need. For three years, I have been able to manage well on a physical level to have the right balance at the right time.
Do you feel good physically, even at the end of the race?
" Can be OK. As there is still a big emotional part, because of the information that we take in at our speeds, there is still fatigue at the end of the race. But I wouldn't say that it's only physical, but it's also because the brain, for the moment, is almost in full discovery. And that's what takes energy, with a lot of adrenaline. Afterwards, when we get used to these emotions, it allows us to manage much better throughout the race. No, the form is good and we must, always giving our best, continue to grow. »
Has your time in MotoGP led you to change your training this winter?
“No, already since 2016 my physical training had evolved because we knew that the bike was going to be more intense, etc. We had planned, in 2016, to go to MotoGP in 2017. Already, being strong in Moto2 requires knowing how to manage all these factors, so we add a little intensity, or a lot, it depends on the periods, to best adapt to MotoGP.
We are in Le Mans. There is great anticipation from the fans. For your part, it excites you or it scares you a little; where do you put the cursor?
“I try to leave it in a neutral position. Yes. I don't feel fear and I would say more that there is a little excitement, but it remains very light for the moment. It will perhaps increase on Friday. There, already the fact that there is rain means that there are a lot fewer people outside. I don't hang out outside because it's sickening (laughs). No, the pressure effect, I really experienced that last year, and experience in the profession allows me to manage it better. »
