A simple observation of the raw results of Johann zarco before the Grand Prix MotoGP German GP, which takes place this weekend at the Sachsenring, shows a brilliant period including Le Mans and Silverstone, then three very frustrating GPs, the low point being at Mugello where the Frenchman did not cross any finish line.
The four points he took home from Assen, the last GP to date, did not satisfy the Honda LCR rider, but the man who is now 4th in the championship explained on Thursday what happened in the Netherlands: "We understood why we couldn't perform well at Assen. During a race weekend, it's very difficult to turn back once a decision has been made, to start from scratch and then perform well. The race at Assen was really not good. I was very upset because I'm sure I can ride this Honda better. And I hope I can do that here."
The number 5 also took advantage of the week off to analyze the first half of the season: “I took a moment to take stock of the season: what we did well and what we didn't, how we set up the bike, what worked and what didn't. Even what we tried at Assen was interesting, but it seems to have held us back. Now we'll try to go back to something more neutral, which suits the Honda better. And I hope it works. Because compared to last year, we have a better bike.
Here at the Sachsenring, we'll see that we have a better bike than last year. Even at Assen, although the race was difficult, we closed the gap to the winner. Last year, we were 40 seconds behind. This year, only 20. This is proof that the bike is more competitive. And I think that will be the case here too. Instead of being 1,5 seconds behind per lap, it will surely be less than a second.
Here, we won't lose any time on the engine part. Acceleration isn't our weakest point on the bike. It's a circuit where you have to turn a lot. At Assen, I complained a lot about the bike's handling in corners, so you might think it would be difficult here too. But the bike is very sensitive: depending on the settings, everything can change. I really hope to be able to fight at the front this weekend.
It's a very short circuit. If we find the right setup here, I can fight at the front."
Besides the layout not giving pride of place to the engine, Johann zarco could also benefit from the currently unpredictable weather forecast:"It might rain on Saturday. That would be an opportunity to have a very good Saturday. We really want to seize this opportunity to have a good qualification. And maybe win my first sprint medal. Since 2023, I haven't won a single one."
Looking back on his temporary drop in form, " Jojo » does not only attribute it to his very busy schedule, between the Grand Prix and the two tests in Japan in preparation for the Suzuka 8 Hours: “Also. But it's not just that. It's been a combination of things. I feel like I've lost some of my raw energy. My fitness is improving. The last two weeks, I've been tired. After Aragon, Mugello was tough. At Assen, it was a bit better. I had a bit more time to train like a normal athlete, to train, to rest. It's a good feeling to be back in normal fitness. I had lost it a bit after Silverstone.”
MotoGP Germany Johann Zarco
