On this Thursday, May 27, 2021, Johann zarco answered questions from journalists from the Mugello circuit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French driver who currently occupies 3nd place in the championship.
The press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix welcomed Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia, Johann Zarco, Jack Miller, Aleix Espargaro and Valentino Rossi.
As usual, we report here the words of Johann zarco without any formatting, even if it is translated from English.
Johann, you got back on the podium at your home race at Le Mans, which must have boosted your confidence. You won here at Mugello in Moto2, but have not yet made a top 6 in MotoGP. Do you think you can do it this weekend?
Johann zarco : " Having a good feeling about the Ducati and knowing that the Ducati is very competitive here, I try to arrive here in a neutral way but hoping to use the advantages of the bike very well. During the Le Mans race, the wet conditions helped me a lot to get a nice podium and 20 championship points. So I'm very happy to be back in the top 3 and I'll try to stay there and continue to take points back from Fabio by playing my game. Here, I think that looking at the situation of Ducati, Pecco, Jack and I can have fun together and put pressure on the main opponent who is Fabio on the Yamaha. This could be very good for the championship. »
What is the biggest challenge for a MotoGP rider at Mugello?
« Good question ! As we know, we have this long straight where we have an advantage, but I would say that for all the bikes, in Arrabiata 1 and Arrabiata 2, turns 8 and 9, you feel a lot of pressure on your body in MotoGP. Because of the track, maybe you feel that you can always go faster and faster, but it's not that easy. You feel like you can do it and you try, but it's almost like some corners in Portimãao where it's physically very demanding. So probably yes, turns 8 and 9, plus when you get to 10 and you don't see it as you brake and it's downhill. When it comes to driving, I think this area is one of the most demanding. »
Do you think you will beat the speed record set in Qatar and what do you think of the speeds reached this year?
« I think it would be good to beat him and we have the best bike in the world for that! Everything is ready to go at this speed: The bike is good enough to brake and the aerodynamics help us to go fast and also to slow down correctly. So I think if we can break the Qatar record it would mean anyway that Mugello is the best track in terms of top speed, but it would also be good just for show. Personally, I think it would be great! »
Are you worried about the future of Mugello, which is now part of the Old School circuits, and which is perhaps no longer suitable for the speeds we reach today?
« In my opinion we need to keep Mugello as an Old School circuit and try to improve the safety around it, in some places where maybe the walls are close. When you see the money that can be spent just to change the asphalt on a track, I think it is possible to also spend that money to manage the surroundings even better. Simply considering that going faster is more dangerous, it's not good to think like that, because otherwise we end evolution and we don't do what we are paid to do: We are paid to always go faster , not only on the straights, but it's part of the game. For me, there is also history: Maintaining the historical side during the season is important, for future drivers and for everyone, to have something to say. »
Photo credits: MotoGP.com
