Far from the somewhat formatted communication of traditional press releases, the exchanges between the French pilot and the journalists in the Tech3 hospitality are of a richness and simplicity that true enthusiasts will appreciate (you can find all his past debriefs in our section (“Interviews").
There is always the little detail that immerses us more every day in the world of MotoGP…
As usual, we report here the entirety of the comments of Johann zarco, in a raw way, therefore without any journalistic formatting or distortion.
Do you think it will be possible to do the same thing tomorrow?
“Same thing tomorrow?” We have wet conditions and a lot of rain, so it's complicated for everyone and maybe it's an opportunity worth taking. I have to stay focused but continue to attack and work with the team to improve myself, improve the bike and stay in the top positions. These are difficult conditions, so if I find the key to feeling good, I will use it for the race. »
In what area can you improve?
“It’s mainly in the feeling. We are now quite fast and why not improve the traction of the bike? I feel good braking and cornering, so I will work on traction. »
What do you think of your teammate's day?
“I’m quite surprised. I expected him to start the weekend slowly, especially in the wet, because it's difficult to be confident on a MotoGP in the wet. But maybe he knows the track well because he behaved very well during the sessions. I'm happy for him, I'm happy for the team and I congratulate him. »
In these conditions, what do you think you have that other Yamaha riders don't have?
" I don't know. I haven't analyzed this yet and I'm doing my job as well as I can. And if in the end I'm better than them, that's just a positive point. »
How did the grip of the track change between morning and afternoon?
“The grip remained similar between the morning and the afternoon. We only improved with the bike, and it was the same for everyone. Compared to the other circuits in the championship, this track has really good grip. I think it's the same in the Czech Republic and Germany, but it's really good to drive at this level in the wet, because I'm still wondering how it's possible. »
Johann Zarco then responds to French journalists…
“The track gives me confidence because it grips well. Márquez was really stronger than the others this morning. In the afternoon, the improvements were quite impressive, I'm happy to have been able to push and improve. So I think there is a lot of work to do, both in riding and at the same time on the bike, because the track is constant from morning to afternoon. I don't think there is any change in the grip. On the other hand, when there is a lot of rain, there is a lot of water on the track and aquaplaning. So for the moment I tend to give back a little so as not to take too many risks. I feel good, but when you skate, even in sixth grade, at some point you have to tell yourself that you shouldn't try to do better, and wait a little. As soon as there is less water, I have great confidence and I can ride fast. So I'm quite happy, we have to stay in this top level, and the rain throughout the weekend is an opportunity to take because it levels the levels a lot. Everyone is pretty much the same and that can be a coup to play a good position. »
Are you able to have fun with these conditions?
“Yes, because the track is very catchy. So you have to drive, you have to brake harder, turn faster, accelerate harder, and when you see that it holds, and that finally if you slip, it's not a slide and then you're on the ground, but you has time to catch up with the bike, it becomes like in the dry. And it's quite enjoyable. On TV, it's already beautiful to see, but in real life, I don't think there are many motorcycles that hold up so well in the rain. It's thanks to the tires and the bike, but as a rider, it's exceptional! »
Is this the first time you've pleasured yourself like this in the wet?
“No, I had that too in the Czech Republic. I had difficulty in Germany, but in the Czech Republic, during a very wet session in FP1, I took pole, and there, I understood things. Afterwards, Misano is another subject. »
Do you ride on the white lines and the curbs?
“No, if it slips. I didn't try too hard. It's better to limit yourself to maybe 20 cm less track, but be sure that it sticks. »
The weekend is expected to be completely rainy. How do you work in stable rainy conditions?
“Same goal, to feel good on the bike. There, I'm doing well, but I have a little discomfort, so I say them and I show them, we try to resolve them, and if we can't do it, I say so. We are moving forward like this. »
