Johann Zarco started in the lead during the French Grand Prix, which did not seem to surprise his opponents. It's become a bit of a tradition. How does Johann regularly achieve such a first round?
« Like in Moto2, because when he is fit and confident, it is a good strategy because he can set the pace on new tires. Then you have to know how to manage tire wear, but you can thus open up a significant gap on your competitors. At Le Mans, Johann stayed in the lead for a very long time, many struggled to keep up, and at one point the only one left was Maverick Vinales.
“Valentino was surprising. At one time, as I told Johann, the level was even higher than now. What Valentino did at 38 years old is fabulous: he comes back, he comes back and he overtakes Vinales, with impressive times.
“As for a quick start to the race, remember the last Moto2 race in Valencia. Johann imposed his own rhythm. When everything is going well in the head, the bike is working well, after good testing, it is possible to open up a nice gap from the start, which the others can no longer make up for.
How does it feel after 5 Grands Prix to find yourself in the World Championship 7 points behind Rossi and 3 behind Marquez?
“I’m very happy with it. This means that Johann is like a good wine that gets better every year and he runs better and better. It's nice to be able to fight with Valentino Rossi who is a great man. And also with Maverick who is very competitive and fast, because this is already his third victory in five Grands Prix. It's fabulous for a first year as a rookie, with the Tech 3 team which is excellent. Having Guy Coulon and Hervé Poncharal behind us is great. They accepted our method, which is very good. You have to keep going, don't drop, don't slacken, do Zarco in the first round.
“If we can continue like this, Johann will continue to grow as he is currently doing. When you fight at the front with gentlemen like Valentino and Vinales, you learn a lot of things. It's just happiness for everyone. Hope it lasts !
Why did you sign so early in the season with Tech 3 for 2018?
“Johann and I are not grocers. We feel good at Tech 3. It’s a good team. We have a good Yamaha. Johann is reassured in the back of his mind that we will be at Hervé's again next year, and perhaps for longer, we don't know.
“When we feel good somewhere, we stay there. After a few races, we are fighting at the front, and we can expect good support from Yamaha for the Tech 3 team. If we are often at the front and on the podiums, we can hope from Yamaha for something perhaps a little different and good with a satellite team.
What is your overall assessment of the French GP?
“My assessment is positive, very positive. The first thing that is beautiful is that we re-signed with Hervé Poncharal, at Tech 3. Then Johann, who had never obtained good results during his national Grand Prix, managed to drive well. He managed to swallow the pressure of this GP. It's impressive. His race was magnificent. There is no negative side.
“In addition, the public support for Johann in the stands was fabulous and that can only do good for the bike. That means the bike isn't dead. Johann and the team must continue to bring happiness to motorcycle enthusiasts, and we are going to change the situation in France. A bit like the Spanish. I'm very happy with it and it's positive.
How did you manage the media and popular enthusiasm?
“We anticipated and we tried to manage it as best as possible, Mathilde Poncharal, my wife and I, to be able to channel the euphoria of the sponsors. The sponsors understood this well. We made a fairly light schedule for Johann so as not to take too much of his mind. Many enthusiasts supported him. Everyone did their job and everything went well. We must continue like this. It was a great French Grand Prix, including for Claude Michy who has been helping us for years.
“It was a fabulous French Grand Prix. At every turn, people in the stands were shouting “Zarco! Zarco! ". For me, who is a motorcycle enthusiast, it was fantastic.
Based on this French GP and the previous ones, how do you see the next ones?
“We’re turning a page. We did well, we got 19 out of 20, now we have to try to approach the other Grands Prix in the same way and continue to grow. We have to accept that Johann sometimes finishes fourth, fifth or sixth, because the goal is to finish first rookie. Johann must grow and learn well to best prepare for next season. »
Photos © Tech 3
