On this Saturday, September 26, Johann zarco answered questions from journalists from Barcelona at the end of the first day of the Catalan Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French pilot.
As usual, we report here the words of Johann zarco without the slightest formatting, even if the first part is translated from English (vouvoiement).
Johann zarco : " Qualifying was good today. I think it was possible to be at the front but for that I would have had to follow someone in the last run. I tried to do it but I didn't handle it well, so I did my trick on my own. Doing 1'39.3 alone was very good, so I'm happy because everything is falling into place methodically and logically, and everything is really under control, which is very positive. Yesterday I was worried about the race pace because it was very difficult to control the bike with used tires, but this afternoon I had a much better feeling. It may not be podium pace yet, but starting from sixth place, I can hope to have a good feeling if I make a good start. We'll see tomorrow, but yes, I'm happy with everything that's happened since Friday. »
What are you missing at the moment to be able to make a podium tomorrow?
« A few tenths (laughs)! Today, if we look at the figures, there are more guys likely to make a podium than me, but I believe that I can progress tomorrow and do better, to be able to ride regularly in 41. If I find that, I could really enjoy the race, so we'll see because from 1'43 we went to 1'41 regular, so now it's 5 tenths or less. On a big circuit like here, it's possible. »
Is there a particular place where you struggle?
« No, it's always a question of riding the bike correctly, and controlling the rear grip which is deteriorating a lot. And when the grip deteriorates, there are a few drivers capable of staying in 1'41. I haven't yet, so I hope I figure out how to do it. »
Do you feel more comfortable with the bike's height adjustment system, and will you use it in racing?
« Yes, I'm going to use it in the race because it can be really useful for overtaking someone on the straight. Today there was less wind and that helped me a lot using this system because the bike stayed straight and went fast. So yeah, I'm starting to get used to it, and it might not be automatic yet to use it, but it doesn't bother me, so I'm pretty happy. »
Most drivers say they will have to survive tomorrow because of the degradation of the rear tire. Is this the same for you?
« It looks like we can have around ten very fast laps, so starting from the second row, I want to use almost the first half to be as fast as possible. Because then, when the tires deteriorate, we will suffer because we won't be able to do so many things on the bike. But clearly, this kind of situation can perhaps be an advantage for me, because as we saw in Misano, I am not yet exploiting the bike at 100% so when the grip is perfect from the first to the last lap , I'm still struggling. So tomorrow I might have a chance to do better. »
Jack Miller is the only Ducati in front of you. Are your riding styles similar?
« I would say no. He did a fantastic job in qualifying, coming out of Q1 and setting a good time in Q2. I think he's fourth. He did a great job! With the new tire it controls very well. I didn't see how it was going with the worn tire, but he made a huge step forward today after struggling a little yesterday. But I don't think it's because of our similar styles, it's just that he found something good. »
Does the motorcycle's height variation system make riding more complicated?
« It's been a brief experience and we can do better, but it's true that when you're able to use it well, there's an advantage to it. But clearly, it is true that this kind of little thing can bother you a lot because it is very sensitive. That's why I'm very happy that thanks to the experience I've accumulated over the last two years, I can now adapt to new things quite quickly. But like I said, when it becomes automatic, I will be much stronger, and I feel that coming. So you have to be patient. »
Have you ever tried the rear thumb or index brake?
« No no. I got it at the beginning of the year but never used it because I managed well with my foot. So for the moment, I'm only using my foot, and given this new system which lowers the bike, it's not bad. For now, foot brake on the rear! Perhaps in Misano a hand brake could have helped, but you still need to know how to use it. I think there are a lot of pilots who take a while to learn how to use it well. »
Today the track conditions were better. Was it also more pleasant on the bike?
« Completely ! Already, there was a little bit of wind but it was almost nothing at all compared to yesterday, and when you have powerful bikes like that, you're quite happy, because when it pitches up, everything goes well. straight and it doesn't shift in the grass or anywhere else. And with the track evolving in terms of rubber, it was fun. »
How do you explain that you and Jack Miller are in front of the factory Ducatis? Technical choices they don't want to make?
« Jack has the same machine as the factory, so no. I quickly adapted to the circuit since yesterday, and I confirmed this afternoon by setting good times each time. Jack did a great job this afternoon, because he made it through Q1 and qualified really well in Q2. So there, I think he added the most to the pilot, which Dovi failed to do. »
And does that position you well to move to the factory team?
« I think that to really move into the factory team, I would have to win tomorrow (laughs)! So why not, but that would make them scratch their heads even more at Ducati. That would only be a good thing, because ultimately they would have the choice between two contenders for victory. It's a bit like that now, but we need to confirm further. For me, in any case, everything is good since I will have a bike to win next year. »
The Ducati staff reportedly said that the choice would be made on Wednesday…
« Yes, they told the media but not to me particularly because they know I have complete confidence. Either way, we're together next year! Afterwards, it's only a question of color but that doesn't change the objective. That's why it really doesn't bother me. It would just be a bonus. »
Is it this certainty that you will ride next year that makes you perform well?
« Yes, it totally helps to know where we're going next year. It's interesting to see that I'm more comfortable than in Misano, and it really serves as an experience, both for me technically driving, and for the team in terms of the settings we can use. This kind of experience really helps us for the following year. Finally, it's been a long time since I had this much consistency, and that's pretty good. I am in the process of finding real consistency in terms of technique, work and performance, and I tell myself that as long as I go for it, things will constantly evolve. »
How do you activate the system that lowers the motorcycle?
« It works with the left thumb. It's that little crank, like when you lower your mountain bike suspension. It's the same command. »
Q2 classification MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona:
Q1 classification MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona:
Photo credit and rankings: MotoGP.com
