The first, Johann Zarco, graced us with a splendid MotoGP season, after his two world titles in Moto2.
The list of his exploits is already long for his first season in the premier category:
- rookie of the year,
- First independent pilot,
- 6th in the world championship,
- 2 pole positions,
- first 6 lines,
- 3 podiums,
- 2nd driver having completed the most kilometers in the lead,
- 174 points scored, most of which brought Tech3 the title of first independent team and Yamaha 2nd place in the manufacturers' standings.
In short, an assessment that goes beyond all expectations for someone who remains above all a dedicated worker, but also a very approachable and modest character.
And since we are talking about modesty, what can we say about the attitude of Lucas Mahias who, although 2017 Supersport World Champion, decides not to wear the number 1 next season out of respect for Kenan Sofuoglu who was not able to defend his chances?
Lucas Mahias (on GPone): “I won the title and I'm very happy with it, but in 2018 I'm not going to wear the number 1 on my Yamaha R6. I think I deserved the last laurel because I was very involved and always took risks, but I won the championship thanks to the injuries suffered by Sofuoglu; Kenan missed the first two races after a bad fracture and came to Qatar in precarious physical conditions. I am the champion, but I prefer to give up the number 1, respecting Kenan and sticking to my 144. If I won this world title, it is thanks to Kenan; Sofuoglu is a real fighter, he always pushes you to attack more and constantly improve your performance, both on a single lap and in a race. Sofuoglu encourages every opponent to do their best in any situation. He demonstrated it in Qatar, where he raced against pain and fear, and even reached the podium. »
Clearly, we have some very fine French world champions!
