Paradoxically, the 2nd place obtained this morning by Johann Zarco during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix is perhaps even more impressive than the pole position achieved just a year ago by the Tech3 driver on the same Motegi circuit.
In 2017, the French rider was certainly far from unworthy but benefited from both changing track conditions and excellent timing, which allowed him to set the best time in MotoGP qualifying.
This year, it was on a completely dry track, and therefore "regular", that Johann Zarco finished his qualification just 6/100 behind the best time achieved by Andrea Dovizioso, after having been present at the front throughout the weekend.
After his good performance in Thailand, the virtuous circle, which was interrupted during his fall at the French Grand Prix, therefore seems to be restarted, to the great pleasure of the French spectators.
What is the explanation? It is probably too early to know but, given the performance of the official Yamahas, we can assume that it is not technical (as Guy Coulon explained to us) and undoubtedly more psychological, even if ultimately it doesn't matter.
In his press release, Johann Zarco makes the same remarks that he declared directly, so let us repeat here his statement to Eurosport before reporting to you in full this evening the words he is currently saying at a press conference.
Johann zarco : “It’s clear that from FP1, I was able to go very fast from the first laps, and that actually allows you to relax when you work with the team. If sometimes it's not so good, there is less stress because we know that we can go quickly. Afterwards, we didn't really succeed each time in going faster but we were on target in terms of pace and that allowed us to know what was good and what was less good. There, for the qualification, the first run was a bit difficult in 45.3. I tried to do the best I could, but it wasn't great. Then we made a small modification, and it didn't take much because it really helped. On the last lap, it's true that I was good but I missed my downshift a little at the last chicane and that's perhaps what cost the 60 thousandths, from what I was told. 'said. 2nd place is very good. Starting from the first row is an advantage because, with the Yamaha, it's better to have a clear track in front of you, and you can believe it's a beautiful thing."
And once again, first Yamaha on the starting grid…
" Yes it's clear. But hey, you have to work and it doesn't really help to be the first Yamaha. Above all, it’s a personal satisfaction to be among the best.”
MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix Q.2 standings:
Credit ranking: MotoGP.com
