Johann Zarco has had a regular and solid season which places him, after seven races in MotoGP, as the main challenger to his compatriot Fabio Quartararo, official Yamaha rider. As a member of a satellite structure, he is only 14 points behind the provisional leader of the championship and makes Ducati happy in the development of the GP21. A recognized contribution which seems to be increasing as the man who also has experience with Yamaha, KTM and a Honda puts the Desmosedici in his hands. A takeover which involves the adoption of a particular driving style which does not escape the other members of the Borgo Panigale clan, starting with Jack Miller…
In these always humble, objective and precise declarations, Johann zarco continues to point out that its margin for progress over a Ducati with high potential is real. And as the Grands Prix progress, it asserts itself. During the last appointment in Catalonia it was marked to say the least, since it was the Frenchman who showed himself as the one who ran the house in Borgo Panigale.
However, the track on the Barcelona side is not really the favorite playground of Ducati. Still, the Frenchman is gaining strength. His secret? Perhaps this driving style that he is developing and which differs from his other distinguished colleagues. An element which, at least, attracted the attention of a certain Jack Miller, the double winner of Le Mans and Jerez this year: “ Zarco's style is a little different », remarked the Australian. “ I wonder if this helps it when there is little grip ».
But what does zarco differently? “ He accelerates very early », reveals the teammate of bagnaia. " It's a different style. It gives gas and stays open. I'm gentler and I'm always on the gas ". Can we talk about a so-called “V” style from someone who understands the architecture of the Ducati V4? He responds on Motorsport-total : " maybe. Hard to say. Every turn is special. In Barcelona, I wanted to have more speed in the corners. Normally my speed in the corners gives me problems. But in Barcelona it seems to have worked well ».
Zarco also points out an advantage for the Yamaha
Johann zarco cannot say exactly how it has evolved since the Yamaha era in 2017, and firstly because the tires have also changed: “ it was then the beginning of the Michelin era. Back then the front tire wasn't as good as it is today he says. " Now my riding style is similar to other drivers. You use the front axle more and put more pressure on the front tire. With the Yamaha you can also be quite fast if you can't feel the front tire. Not as fast as Fabio, because I didn't get there ».
After this tribute to his compatriot, he concludes: “ with other motorcycles, if you can't feel the front wheel, then you are nowhere ". The 30-year-old Frenchman has finished on the second step of the podium four times this season. He is still waiting for his first victory in the premier category, but by thus accumulating places of honor, he recalls a certain Joan mir in 2020. And it ended quite well for the Suzuki official…
