After two years of experience with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team, Johann Zarco decided to accept the offer from Red Bull KTM, a motivated team that aims to win the world title in the coming years.
With two Moto2 titles in his pocket, the Frenchman has repeatedly demonstrated his talent over the past two seasons in the premier category. In 2019, he wishes to take a further step forward.
Tutomotoriweb.com, written by Antonio Russo, had the pleasure of interviewing him exclusively.
Excerpts…
Can you tell us about the differences between KTM and Yamaha?
“There are a lot of different things, especially because the KTM is a really new bike, only two years old. So you have the impression that there is a basis to create in order to move quickly. When I arrived on the Yamaha, a lot of things were already done well and it was therefore easier to ride. However, over time it will be better with the KTM.”
What do you think has been Yamaha's problem over the past two years?
“Difficult to say because what I experienced on the bike was incredible. We could do very well, but sometimes we struggled. I haven't looked at the official team's problems. My problem, the one I always complained about, was the lack of grip at the rear, but the bike was really good and I would say maybe that's the way to deal with the electronics, especially compared to the Ducati, which was the real weak point.”
How soon do you think you can fight for the title with the KTM?
“The title with the KTM? I hope as soon as possible. I think the first year is a mission impossible because there will be too many things to improve. From the second year we will see if we can get closer to the top five. If I can do that in the next two years, I will be happy to sign for 2021 and 2022 aiming for the title.”
Why did you choose KTM?
“I would say it was the team that wanted me the most. Even though at one point I could go to Honda, there was no real offer and at some point we had to make a choice and believe in this challenge. At Honda, it would certainly have been easier to stay in the leading group, but I still like what I'm experiencing now.”
What are your goals for these seasons?
“I think it can be a possible goal to reach the top 10 in many races, and especially in the final classification. For us it is a possible goal and for the first year it could be a sign of consistency. This would indicate that we have found a good foundation on which to build and go even stronger the following year.”
Valentino Rossi will compete in MotoGP at age 40. What do you think? Do you want to run at this age too?
" Respect ! Vale is an incredible person with unlimited motivation. I have a hard time seeing myself riding like him at 40, but what he's doing already makes me want to go until I'm 35 at this level. I would say that for the moment, that’s my ideal.”
Who do you think will win the MotoGP World Championship in 2019?
“Marc Márquez is always the most consistent, he already knows the bike and does a great job with his team. Then after the tests, I saw Viñales in great shape. Then there are the Ducati, the Dovizioso and the Petrucci, and I would say we can have some nice surprises like Rins and Bagnaia. But Márquez seems to me to be the one who has the most pressure because he is number one.”
