Johann Zarco took on a difficult challenge this year: that of putting back into play his title acquired last season in a Moto2 category where no one has doubled the stake on their world crown. This while we expected him in MotoGP and undoubtedly on a Ducati Pramac, which is not a bad bike. At the start of the campaign, the Frenchman initially wavered before regaining his balance to once again perform some pirouettes of which he has the secret. But these are the only jokes he indulges in. Because Johann Zarco is a serious man.
Serious and sensitive. We will remember his reaction during a press conference for a Catalan Grand Prix marked by the death of Luis Salom. A misplaced question which brought the Ajo driver out of his gongs but which also established his legitimacy a little more within the drivers. And not the least.
Johann zarco is a thoughtful character, focused on his subject and experiencing the competition intensely. Rigorous, analytical, demanding and sharing life and his night in the paddock during the Grands Prix, he has a transparency and clarity that do him credit in a superficial environment. When taking stock of his mid-season he declared in a interview published by his team : " I feel good, I'm satisfied to be at the top of the ranking. This is important at this stage of the competition. I'm comfortable on the bike and mentally ready to push 100% ».
A pleasure all the greater since nothing has been easy since Qatar: “ I knew that becoming World Champion again was going to be something complicated. I was worried from the Jerez tests in the off-season which were difficult. In fact, during the first races, I didn't show myself as strong as expected, but that's part of our job. We could see how difficult it was to fight for a championship because everyone wants to win. That's why it's so hard but also fascinating to understand it well. Because you experience even more pleasure when you finally manage to overcome your difficulties, which makes you even stronger ».
And it is true that until Le Mans, where he retired at home after scoring points in 24 races in a row, the challenge was tough. The Frenchman also recognizes that technique was not the only one involved: “ the difference was me because last year I was a title contender but this time I was the Champion. I got up in the morning with this idea always in mind and it puts pressure on you ". Then the virtuous circle resumed: four victories, six podiums and a leadership of 25 points over Kidneys then 30 on Lowes. But everything still remains to be done: “ we will have eight races in three months which will make things difficult both physically and morally. We will have to stay strong throughout the second part of the season ».
It will be remembered that the future of Johann zarco in MotoGP is now assured. Thanks to a Tech3 contract which gives him the opportunity to ride a good Yamaha. A prospect that shook up his future teammate Jonas Folger who, since then, has struggled to achieve regular results in Moto2. The tricolor remains on its line: “ I want to continue like this, concentrated with a cool head. There are people who take care of me to find career opportunities for me. My job is to drive and that's what I do. I don't get distracted by things that are off track ».
A serious man. And formidable.
