A year ago, at Le Mans, the MotoGP debutant Johann zarco excited the crowd of his compatriots by getting on his first podium in MotoGP. A second place taken behind Viñales and in front of Pedrosa, happy to find himself at the flag ceremony after the fall of a Rossi who could have completed a Yamaha hat-trick. Since then, times have changed a lot. Iwata's machines have become less efficient, but the French pilot is much stronger!
Before arriving on his land, the driver of a French team Tech3 now has five Top 3s to his credit, results to which are added three pole positions, a series of eight consecutive first rows, and second place in the provisional general classification of the championship. This is unheard of for a tricolor in the premier category since 1984, so much so that the double Moto2 World Champion presents himself as the possible first Frenchman, winner of a race in the premier category on the Bugatti track.
A situation whose foal ofHervé Poncharal takes the measurement: “ I'm quite happy to arrive at my national Grand Prix as second in the championship. My podium in Jerez was lucky, but it gives me great motivation and a big smile before approaching Le Mans. I'm hoping for good weather, but even if it rains, I know I know my Yamaha very well now. So I will be relaxed ».
« Last year was one of my best races of the season and I got on my very first podium. I would like to go for victory this time, but we will have to work well with the team and keep a cool head. We'll see what happens." Because uncertainty will once again be the order of the day for this fifth meeting of the year, as during the last four events. : “we will not have the same scenario as last year. The three Yamahas were very strong then. But this time, Márquez seems more comfortable on his Honda and the Ducati are performing well. All manufacturers are very close to each other, so you can expect any kind of surprises ”.
There remains the popular fervor which will help the pilot: “ the fans will be there and deliver positive energy. There will also be pressure, but we will change it into even stronger energy. Fingers crossed and we arrive at Le Mans fully charged! »
First games from Friday!
