Between the Jerez route and the Frenchman Johann Zarco, it is not true love. A podium in 125cc in 2011 and another last year offered by racing incidents after starting ninth, the tricolor also had trouble with the Andalusia circuit during winter tests. This weekend was looking even worse. But in the end, the essentials were saved.
And what was essential was to score good points to stay in contact with the leaders in the title race. This is led by a Sam Lowes who had fun mastering a race which included a dozen falls. A snub from the Briton whose reputation is that of falling more often than not.
The fact remains that these accidents cleared the way for the Ajo driver who was still not on the pace of his direct rivals. But that's also competition and the reigning World Champion can boast of a gain of ten places between the starting grid and the checkered flag. A top 5 collected from fifteenth positions which brings him 11 precious units: “ I am happy with this fifth place » says the title holder. “ I wanted to switch drivers from the start but realized it was too risky ».
« Towards the end of the race, I found a good rhythm which allowed me to improve my position. I also benefited from the falls in front of me. Overall, this weekend remains positive because I was able to improve my feelings with the bike and understand it a little more. It will be positive for the future ". The fact remains that Johann suffered and the evil seemed at first internal before becoming technical: “ we are happy with the result that Johann brought back because this weekend was difficult for him » comments boss Aki Ajo. “ Like last year, he had difficulty finding the right rhythm on this track. But he knew how to react like the champion he is with the support of the whole team. We never give up our weapons. This fifth position is a good result for us ».
To fully understand the why and how of this little nothing (half a second) which is sometimes missing, we asked him the question last week.
The now World Champion is therefore still inhabited by certain demons that he would like to exorcise for good before joining MotoGP. John Zarco maintains his third place in the championship acquired since Austin, but the gap has widened with a Sam Lowes now leading by 72 points. Alex Rins has 62 thanks to his home podium and the Frenchman 56 before setting foot on his native soil at Le Mans in ten days.
