Discover the third part of our exclusive interview with Johann Zarco, conducted during his test session in Cartagena, in which he discusses his counterparts in MotoGP, highlighting Marc Márquez's exceptional season.
Mid-January, Johann zarco The event brought together several French and Belgian drivers at the Cartagena circuit in Spain for two days of testing. The Paddock-GP team was there to follow them and prepare interviews with each of the talented drivers present.
You will find the series of interviews with John Zarco on our website until the official launch of the season in Thailand at the end of February, as well as the meetings we held with the pilots present, which we will share with you until March.
You can already discover our interviews with Barry Baltus, who learned a lot in 2025, Ana Carrasco, who reflected on her debut in the World Championship, Lorenzo Fellon, Currently without a handlebar this season, Corentin Perolari on his special report on Endurance, Bartholomé Perrin, who refuses to go to the World Cup to be 20th, Remy Sanjuan, which aims for the Moto3 Junior World Championship et Xavier Simeon, who now accompanies young pilots.
Let's talk a bit about the upcoming MotoGP season! We know Marc Márquez is the favorite for the title, but at the end of last year, Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia did very well! Do you see them challenging Ducati this year?
That's a good question… Disrupting Ducati, yes, but never dethroning Márquez. He has too much of a lead. He's just too fast. [For the title], it's certain to be Márquez, barring any unforeseen problems. Bezzecchi can slot in between the Ducatis and finish second or third, but not dethrone Márquez.
Speaking of Marc Márquez, what can you say about his return to the top from your perspective as a rider?
He's taken another step forward in his ability to manage a league. Perhaps he's more mature now to compete for a title. He's reflecting on his mistakes. He's made very few, and he's back to his best.
Where does he get that from?
He's got talent, that's for sure. And he has an incredible bike. That creates an exceptional balance. But it's his fighting spirit that's above the average athlete. I'm not even talking about other riders, but the average athlete. He has something extra. We athletes can say we have a fighting spirit, maybe more than the average person. But he's on another level. And so, because we're in a motorsport, when the mechanics are there—because he can't run alongside the bike either—he can control that fighting spirit and it develops. He's relaxed.
When you see that, does it inspire you more with envy or admiration?
Both, but above all, admiration. There's always room for improvement. I'm not saying I can do the same as him because I'm as good as him, no. He's on another level. But there are still things to understand in his approach in order to try and apply them. Especially in his interpretation of riding, his lines, his feel for the bike, and his risk management.
Another challenge this year is the rather crazy transfer market, which doesn't concern you, however, given that you're already committed to LCR Honda for the future. You, who keep a close eye on the younger generation, there are a few candidates for promotion in Moto2…
Yes, Barry Baltus (present in Cartagena. Ed.) can fight for the title, but he'll have some serious competition: David Alonso, Daniel Holgado. For me, they'll be three very strong drivers this year. There's also Manuel Gonzalez. He must be a bit bitter about losing the 2025 championship. There are quite a few contenders.
You mentioned Barry Baltus; you've been training with him for three or four years. He's just had a pretty incredible season. What does he need to land a contract? A win on his CV?
No, just a bit more consistency to be able to compete for the title. I think that competing for a Moto2 title, beyond just winning, adds real value for MotoGP teams. It proves consistency, and so on. He's made a big step forward and he'll be there this year. You can't say he's lacking anything. He's following a normal progression, you could say.
Which MotoGP team could he sign with?
When I talk with Seb (Sébastien Moreno, Ed.), we say maybe Honda. But Diogo Moreira has really settled in. Since Éric de Seynes took over Fantic – Barry's current team – we've been saying that maybe his path will lead him more towards Yamaha. It's just casual talk, but why not? That said, if he has a bad season and isn't in contention for the title, he won't get a contract. But since he's serious in training and has real talent because he's strong on the bike, I'm confident. He's developing well, even on the 1000cc bikes; they're fast. I honestly think he'll manage his season well.
part 2 : MotoGP, Exclusive Interview, Johann Zarco: "In some ways, Diogo Moreira reminds me of Marc Márquez"
