On this Thursday, April 29, 2021, Johann zarco answered questions from journalists from the Jerez circuit -Angel Nieto as a prelude to the Spanish Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French driver who currently occupies 4th place in the championship after leading it in Qatar.
As usual, we report here the words of Johann zarco without the slightest formatting, even if the first part (vouvoiement) is translated from English.
Johann zarco : " Jerez! I think it's a circuit that everyone knows very well and a track, if we look at its characteristics, a little difficult to use our potential in the straight. But the bike also works very well in other places and that is why the confidence can be high, just like the very good performance of Pecco (Bagnaia) last year. In addition, the performance he achieved during the last race at Portimao gives me this confidence that there are still a few points to find in driving to be really comfortable in the fight for the championship and to play for the podium. even in Jerez. For me it's a very good way to look at this race weekend where I think we will have good weather conditions. Compared to last year, it will be less demanding on the body and also less demanding compared to Portimao because it is physically easier. But clearly, there will be a rhythm to find because it is a small circuit for a powerful bike. If we find the right rhythm, then I think we can really have fun. I hope we will find it and I think I will be able to find it because each time, with the Ducati, and with the step forward made at Pramac, I am faster everywhere. That's why I come here with a very positive mindset to work hard to find the few small improvements that can really provide control for the podium. Or even victory if everything goes perfectly. »
Why is this circuit not particularly favorable to Ducatis and how do you plan to remedy this?
« Compared to the other circuits, this is where we have one of the lowest top speeds. We do not exceed 300 km. On some other circuits, you can perhaps lose a few tenths in certain places in certain sectors, but then you make up for them on the straight. Here, we don't have time to make up time on the straight. Sometimes, on the Ducati, cornering sensations are more difficult to find. I'm not saying that Ducatis don't provide them but they are sometimes more difficult to find. For several years, or at least since last year and this year again, the Ducati have been making progress in this area, and I repeat: For me, Pecco is a good example because on small circuits, Portimão is not a small circuit but has very tight turns, it works well. Last year it also worked well here, just like in Misano where it was fast despite there being tight corners. So there is a way to pilot the bike, or a confidence to have when braking to pass this milestone and have a lot of fun. »
What was the gearbox problem in Portimão?
« The gearbox problem was more of a seamless system problem than a problem really with the gearbox itself. I went down two gears and instead of downshifting from fourth to second, third shifted faster than I expected and so I went from third to first, thus having a a little too much engine braking. And as I was already very much on the angle, I lacked a little to be able to catch up and I fell. »
Pol Espargaró said that it was nonsense that the tire allowance had gone a notch harder while it was cooler. What do you think ?
« I already looked at the tire allocation and I think the hard tire can also work well. I think it might be up front where he said the hard tire won't help. I think he is right in that, but also in Portimão where no one used the hard tire at the front. It may seem strange sometimes that they bring it if they pretty much know that no one will use it, but sometimes they expect very special conditions and it's just to avoid being in the shit that they bring a safe tire, in case the weather is unexpected. I think Michelin wants to maintain this margin: In the event of a problem, it will be less delicate. But even if there is no problem, they are still criticized because there is this tire that we do not use. »
Can you tell us more about the clicks you need to make to be on the podium?
« It takes two clicks in compression (laughs). »
No, I think you're talking about the feeling...
“Yes, having more automation in driving. I'm not saying to get the podium, because the ability to get a podium is there. In Qatar, we perhaps needed a little more time to have good settings but it's a track that perhaps favors the Ducatis a little and I had the pace for the podium. In Portimão, I was also very close and I fought for it until the fall. So when I say for the podium, it's more about having more possibilities to play or being more comfortable to have the podium. »
Does this concern more the front or the rear of the bike?
« It's really a compromise of a lot of things because for example, when you do the braking and entering corners well, you also have to stay strong on the exit to control the power, because even with electronics, what you can controlling with your hand, we could see that this provided an advantage. But controlling with your hand makes you think more, you're less comfortable, and that's why I say that if it's more automatic, you can think more and be faster. »
You stayed on site between Portugal and Spain. How did that happen ?
« Already, it was fewer kilometers to go to the next circuit. I trained a bit like I would have done at home but the ocean was cold on the Portuguese coast, the water was 15°, so it was too cold for the plan to dive a bit and do a bit apnea. I couldn't stay in the water, even in a wetsuit. On the other hand, I took advantage of the coast even if it was a little windy and therefore not very hot. The restaurants were open and there was no confinement, and it was nice to take the time to enjoy them. »
Did this allow you to overcome the disappointment relating to your fall in Portugal?
« Yes, even if it didn't leave a mark on me mentally. It's part of the race and you have to accept it, otherwise you can't go beyond. No, it was more about combining business with pleasure: I stay where I am, so I only have the focus on going to the next circuit. And finally, I arrived early in Spain since I was already there last Sunday, I saw that there was a kind of energy that made me eager to ride again. And that feels good, whereas if I had been at home I might have been busier, I might have been able to train with the Panigale, but by the time I got here I might have had less desire. I wanted to do this rhythm, which is a bit like that of Qatar where I stayed there, and I like it, on a physical and mental level. It's a rhythm that I like, so if in addition the end of the weekend is on the podium, it's a rhythm to repeat »
How are you approaching this weekend?
« Positive and focused to continue to work a little on the driving to really manage these slow turns. It's not the Ducati's problem, it's just a problem of confidence and good riding. What motivates me is Bagnaia who in these kinds of small turns is very confident and makes the difference. It's a sign that the Ducat is capable of it, and it motivates me a lot because it takes a lot of doubts out of your head, and it allows you to work on yourself. Easier said than done but it still removes a lot of questions. So there you have it, let's say concentrated worker spirit to continue to advance in the championship. We must not forget that I am still able to play him and the season is long. On a circuit that is perhaps theoretically more difficult for us, what we take will be very good to take, and the better we take it, the better it will be for the circuits that are coming. »
The first three circuits were won by Yamaha. What would it mean if Ducati won here, for the rest of the season?
« It would be another confirmation that there can always be surprises at the high level, and that would be very good. Afterwards, considering Quartararo last year here, I still expect a very strong Fabio. We know that it still works very well for the Yamaha here! On the other hand, there is also Márquez who was quite good for a fitness weekend in Portimão, knowing that it was not really a circuit for the Honda, that it was a circuit that he does not know particularly well and that he re-tested himself physically. So three things that were not in his favor! There, these three things: He knows that he is better physically, on a circuit where the Honda works very well because they tested it all winter, and what's more, he likes it! So in my opinion, there is a chance that he will surprise us.
Afterwards, if on the other hand we win, it is because we will have really been able to overcome the weak points of the bike, but for me they are not weak points since it is capable of it. It's more about succeeding in doing it at the right time. On the other hand, if we know how to go fast on all the circuits, it's good for the championship. For me, Jerez is even more technical than Le Mans, and after Le Mans there is Mugello where there is the Ducati track. So, if there is a podium level here, that means that there is a victory level for Le Mans, Mugello and Barcelona. »
What role does the mind play in your preparation?
« I think that the mind is a lot of experience because we see that the less we think, the better we move forward. Like, it's easier said than done, but the older we get, the more we think, and so in general that's where things often get stuck. But when we already realize it, it is a first step towards the solution and we are not stuck on it. I'm aware of that and that's why I know how important it can be. That's why it's great to see young people arriving and doing extremely well, like Jorge Martin. The less you think, the better you move forward, and he was clearly that. Afterwards, sometimes, too much desire and he unfortunately hurt himself, hence still knowing how to think sometimes. In the situation he was in, thinking was more important because you had to do a full lap to be sure about the tires. But there you have it, the mind is a lot like that. I can't tell people to meditate, because you have to know how to believe it. Even I do it from time to time but I do it by feeling: When I have the feeling to do it, I can do it, and then I feel that I am doing it well. If I do it every day at eight o'clock because I said it had to be done, sometimes I won't be able to stop thinking. In my opinion, the mental part is a lot there: Preventing all negative or positive thoughts. In fact, you have to be neutral: That's what's not simple. »
