MotoGP veteran and LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco has recently shown signs of improvement with his RC213V. After a solid performance in Indonesia, where he finished 8th in the sprint and 9th in the Grand Prix, the Frenchman is now preparing to take on Honda’s iconic Motegi circuit. However, despite his recent progress, Zarco remains cautious about Honda’s ability to shine at the demanding track.
« The last races have confirmed many points for us, " said John Zarco looking back on his performances in Mandalika. It is very good that we have achieved this new improvements, especially on the brakes. But Our main problem remains acceleration. In Mandalika it was not a deciding factor, except in one place. I was able to compensate with my strengths in the rest of the lap"
However, the Motegi track, with its long straights and intense braking, presents a very different challenge…
Johann Zarco: “ If Gigi Dall'Igna comes to Suzuka with his Ducati guys, we will have nothing left to win in Japan »
« The situation in Japan will be completely different, " added zarco. “ There are so many places here that require a good acceleration, and I'm very afraid of it. Lack of mechanical grip could cause us problems"
Motegi is a circuit with a high quality surface, which, according to zarco, could still offer good sensations. But he remains skeptical about the ability of Honda to compensate for its weaknesses on this specific route.
Ending on a humorous note, zarco spoke of his desire to return to the famous race 8 hours of Suzuka, while giving a wink to Ducati : " If Gigi Dall'Igna comes to Suzuka with his Ducati guys, we will have nothing left to win, » he jokes.
Motegi therefore promises to be a decisive test to assess whether the recent progress of Honda en MotoGP will be able to withstand the demands of this demanding circuit.
