Johann Zarco stayed with the leading group for a very long time at Assen, before finishing eighth, 7 seconds behind winner Marc Marquez. He finished 2.5 behind Jorge Lorenzo, winner of the two previous Grands Prix. How was the Dutch Grand Prix for Johann, who overtook Andrea Iannone, Cal Crutchlow and Maverick Vinales to take seventh position at the halfway mark? Here is the point of view of his coach and friend Laurent Fellon:
“The race went well, especially compared to Friday when it didn't start very well. Afterwards he scored points, he didn't fall, he stayed on his wheels, he showed that he had the potential to fight up front. It was a great fight.
“It was positive because Johann scored points. He is currently fourth in the provisional World Championship rankings and everything is going well. He is not far from the official Yamahas, with 99 points for Valentino Rossi, 93 for Maverick Vinales and 81 for Johann. »
Marquez left with 4 laps to go, suddenly lapping half a second faster per lap (+2.2 at the finish). Was his domination so clear?
“Marquez, it’s Marquez. When you see that Marquez has the same bike as Pedrosa, and that Pedrosa finishes behind the KTM, it proves that the KTM is good. The man makes a big difference. If the man is in good shape and everything is going well in his head, the difference is there. Johann is doing well at the moment, I think what he is doing now is not bad. »
Johann is two points ahead in the standings of independent drivers ahead Cal Crutchlow (81 points to 79, then Danilo Petrucci with 71 and Jack Miller with 55). Is it getting tight against the English driver and his Honda from the LCR team?
“It’s tight, it’s becoming like Moto2. Remember MotoGP a few years ago, it was a bit sad. Now all three categories are really beautiful. It's magnificent for the spectators, who had a great time this weekend at Assen watching the MotoGP. »
On Friday evening, after the first day of Assen, Johann said: “ I was able to stay cool, compared to the last Grands Prix. In my comments I also tried to find something else, and we were immediately able to work better ". Was it the serenity found?
“You know, in a pilot, you can never say that serenity has been regained. They are not robots, but human beings. It already depends on how he gets up in the morning. And it hurts him when he gives 100% and no longer manages to be in front. A pilot is above all a competitor.
“We will see that during the next Grand Prix at the Sachsenring who – as they say – “belongs to Marquez”. Every year he wins there and he sets the track record. When he raced there in 125 cc, he would have had the sixth fastest time in Moto3! Something crazy !
“Afterwards, you have to stay calm. Sometimes you have to know how to count and for Johann to score as many points as possible. Next year on the KTM it will be fine. We see that the bike is good, it finishes in front of the official Honda of Pedrosa. »
Marcus Eschenbacher, current team leader for Aleix Espargaro at Aprilia, will become Johann's team leader at KTM next year, with Finnish telemetry operator Erkki Siukola, also from Aprilia. Why them, and what do you think of this choice?
" I think this is good. They have experience, the telemetrist worked with Ben Spies at one time. It's a good team for Johann. With Guy Coulon, it went well because he is a calm person. Those who arrive at KTM also seem so, as well as competent. »
What’s going on in Johann’s head right now?
“I think it’s going well. Johann does his best with the equipment he has. He works well with the team and doesn't ask questions. »
Does the new Suzuki engine (second with Rins) redistribute the cards?
" I do not believe. The Suzuki was already good from the Malaysian tests. This bike is not just about the engine, and I think the riders have improved. »
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