Gradually, Johann methodically approaches the summit. At the last GP in Valencia, he placed second, 0.3 behind Dani Pedrosa at home in Spain, and ahead of rivals like Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi.
Before resuming testing at Sepang, Zarco will reacquaint himself with the Superprestigio track in Barcelona this Saturday.
You are making your comeback this year at the Superprestigio. What is the reason ?
“It’s to regain that feeling of sliding a little and get me back into the rhythm of the race a little. It was a really interesting activity. I missed it the last two seasons. And now I have the curiosity to see, with three seasons, the two world titles and the year in MotoGP, to see how I have evolved as a rider and as a man in this type of discipline. »
What are the great memories that you will keep for a long time from this year 2017?
“There will be many, starting with the superb discovery of this racing motorcycle which is brilliant. Then there is the emotion of being able to get closer to Valentino Rossi. It was also an opportunity to do some really good wrestling, which is the most difficult thing. These were dreams lived out live! »
When we listen to you explain yourself calmly and serenely, we get the impression that you have great self-confidence. First, is it real? And then, is it innate or acquired (in other words, were you born like this, or did you learn)?
“No, that confidence grew with experience. First of all, winning the title was interesting. But knowing how to win races again and take the title in the second year allowed me to fulfill the contract. »
“It allowed me to better manage all racing situations and to have better management over the entire season. Winning the second title gave me that confidence and peace. »
In the film “The Second Breath” by Jean-Pierre Melville, a character says “ courage does not avoid danger ". In motorcycle racing, when faced with danger, is it better to be courageous or unconscious?
“Pretty brave.” Unconscious is a solution, but it doesn't last long. There are certainly some who start unconscious. I don't know if that represents a majority, but probably many people, at the beginning. But from the moment they really become aware of the danger, they either stop, or they slow down, or they are courageous enough to go beyond it. »
When Franco Morbidelli says that he would like to “do a season at Zarco” for his rookie year, is that rewarding for you?
“Yes, completely. Even I had dreamed of what I could do! The pace I finished the year with was the best, so I understand it very well and I'm happy with it. Afterwards, if he wants to play on the podiums, I will have to play there too, but in front of him (laugh). »
You talk about your pace at the end of the year, but already from the start it was impressive, from the first GP in Qatar?
“Yes, but here it was more the others who were cautious. Whereas at the end of the year everyone had their racing rhythm, and I was among them. »
How do you see your future in MotoGP?
“I want to succeed in repeating the podiums to get victories next year. And then, thanks to these results, deserve an official place which will allow you to play for a world title. »
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