On this Saturday, May 1, 2021, Johann zarco answered questions from journalists from the Jerez – Ángel Nieto circuit at the end of the second day of 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 : " I am satisfied with the qualification. The second line is important. Clearly, going much faster would have been difficult for me. I think we're hovering around something really good but haven't been able to achieve it. It's kind of an art because we've tried a lot of things but we've never really had a big smile under the helmet for taking a step forward in confidence. So we continue to work and try to find solutions, and the good thing is that, no matter what, the bike works well when you need it. As for qualifying, I'm happy that we had these last few laps which were really very important. So the bike has this potential and I know it, but I would simply like to use the strengths and all the potential of the bike with an easier feeling than what I am currently doing. For consistency tomorrow, this will be the most important. We still have the warm up to find something then we will use the advantage of the Ducati on the second row to have a good battle and not let the Yamaha boys get too far away, because Fabio was OK yesterday but today he took a big step forward in confidence and speed. It was very impressive! So if our Ducatis, Jack, Pecco and I, can stop the Yamahas, it will be a good Sunday. »
Francesco Bagnaia said his main difference from other Ducatis was in braking. Can you see it in the data?
"CThis is something we can see and I think a good way is to try to copy it, because when you have that advantage you struggle less when the tire wears out. That's why it's something good to try to copy, but we can't tune the bike the same way because I also have a different style. It's more about the riding and a few things on the bike, all that together and I have to turn a corner. His strong point in braking and entering corners helps him find rhythm and speed. »
Are you concerned about the pace of the Yamahas, and are we going to see it again in the race?
« It's quite possible, but we don't all start with the same tires in FP4. We have different work strategies, so sometimes there are big gaps and I think that my 15th place in FP4 does not reflect my racing potential. But in terms of pace, yes, there are still a bunch of laps below 38, done by Fabio, which are good signs for him. This is why I think that if with our good starting capacity we can block Fabio and Franco a little, there is then a way to have a good race. »
Standings for Q2 of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez:
Standings for Q1 of the MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
