After explaining to us yesterday (see here) how he saw the current situation, Johann's manager and friend talks to us here about the relationship with Yamaha, Zarco's second season in MotoGP, Marc Marquez and Gigi Dall'Igna.
It would seem logical that Johann would ride a factory bike in 2019. Is his future certain at Yamaha?
“I would prefer not to go into this question too much because it is a bit complicated. Let me explain: Yamaha, they have Valentino. It's no longer the era of Jean-Claude Olivier. Now the story gets complicated. Nobody from Yamaha called me about Johann Zarco, nobody came to see me, nobody said anything to me. It gets complicated. It's weird after the season he had. When you have a good worker who works well, if you don't want him to go to the competition, you come and see him. »
“It disappoints me because I am Yamaha at heart. Our school is equipped with Yamahas which we have been using for years at Dubois Motos, a dealership which helps us, as does Yamaha France which helps us a lot for the school, as well as Claude Michy who gives us a big helping hand. But it's complicated, I'm a little disappointed. »
Do you think the second year in MotoGP will be harder for Zarco than the first?
“He will learn. Hard or not hard, he showed that he was there, that he was capable. Even if it's hard, he will learn things. And in 2019 he must have the factory bike. You automatically need the factory bike because even if it's harder in 2018 but he manages to make podiums and win a race during the year, on the contrary it will form his character and he will then be even stronger. In Moto2, he did his second year which allowed him to arrive in MotoGP even stronger, with more experience. »
“So we have to stay calm, we have to be patient, wait for the tests. We're going to get there little by little. But on the other hand it's certain, in 2019 you need a factory motorcycle. »
Who will be the strongest? Marc Marquez and his riding, or Gigi Dall'Igna and his Ducati?
“Mr Dall’Igna is a great man. He arrived at Aprilia where he designed the RSA which was essential. He won the World Championship. This bike, I remember it in Jerez from the side of the track, it was scary. »
“There he arrives at Ducati. And Andrea Dovizioso, who is not Marc Marquez, did great things. I think we should be wary of the Ducati. You really have to be wary of him because this gentleman is a great technician. »
“Marquez is a worker, he’s a genius. Johann can be there from time to time like last year, and we shouldn't underestimate KTM whose bike had some great races in its first year with Pol Espargaro. He was on the same bike as Johann the year before. It's a good bike. A lot of things are likely to happen this year, but watch out for the Ducati. »
Your son Lorenzo is going to ride in the European Talent Cup, therefore in CEV, with a Honda NSF250R. Where is he currently in his progress?
“I'm in Aki Ajo's team because Johann and I have always worked well with Aki. For me, it's the best team. I use the same method that we used with Johann, that is to say we go little by little. Afterwards it's him who should like the bike, not me. He must do his job and go there gradually. After, I do not know. I'm not a dad who shouts his son's praises. He is growing up, like Johann he has an exam every year. »
“You never know how things will turn out. You should know that with Johann at one point everything could have stopped. You have to give the chance, you have to let people grow, you have to do your best and leave nothing to chance. It is he who must want to train well, to learn well at school. And then we'll see. »
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