Johann Zarco will therefore ride a Ducati in 2020 in MotoGP. It will be in Avintia colors – which were not, however, the Frenchman's favorite at the start – it will be a GP19 and not a GP20, and the official announcement is expected in the following hours. An epilogue which marks the success of an incredible bet launched by a man who never doubted himself and his abilities. A boldness that deserves to be highlighted, a conviction that must never be forgotten. Respect…
A year ago, Johann zarco assumed the status of official pilot KTM, with all the benefits that go with it, starting with a substantial salary. An outcome in MotoGP. The next step generally consists of perpetuating this situation which, in itself, gives the sign of a successful career.
More Johann zarco is not of that wood. Its approach and its character undoubtedly make it less accessible than the freshness of a fabio quartararo. He would even be unsympathetic with this impression of permanent dissatisfaction which paralyzes those around him in the box. However, this aspect also shows a transparent, frank man, both in his gestures and in his words. In a smooth environment, John Zarco is a roughness that can be disturbing. And from which we move away.
A situation which would not be tolerable if the man did not fully assume his convictions. However, precisely, John Zarco assumes. He didn't feel good at KTM, he saw that the RC16 project would never suit him, so, rather than giving the lie with empty, redundant, and ultimately hypocritical statements, he looked his bosses in the face and told them that he stopped the experiment there. He thus renounced his life's work, slamming the door of the caste of the official wealthy, only to find himself with nothing.
Johann zarco had decided without premeditation, without plan B in mind, but with the heart and determination of a pilot certain of his potential. Professional suicide? All the clues were there to arrive at this fatal conclusion. That's when Yamaha arrived with a good test pilot contract, given the circumstances. At the same time, at Honda, an RC213V found itself orphaned by a Nakagami who had gone for shoulder surgery. Here again, the Frenchman's choice was petrifying: rather than a secure and lasting mission, the double World Champion embarked on a stint of three Grands Prix with an uncertain outcome.
During these three appearances, he got back in the saddle, despite two falls in the race and only a 13e place conquered. However, at Honda, he was not the one favored to succeed Jorge Lorenzo. The chosen route turned into a dead end.
Until then alone to face his destiny in the paddock and on the track, Johann zarco received reinforcement in Valencia from a Claude Michy devoted to the cause of his compatriots. The organizer of the French Grand Prix highlighted Johann's talent and was listened to by Ducati. The Borgo Panigale firm understood that integrating a rider who had ridden with a Yamaha and recently with a Honda could be useful to its Desmosedici program, whose priority is now the chassis. Likewise, take zarco, it also means having a good driver with you rather than against and for the benefit of the competition.
The story will therefore end happily. Claude Michy brought the essential final touch to this high-risk course which was however chosen and assumed from start to finish by the pilot Johann zarco. Everyone now identifies him as a man who knows what he wants, that his approach in the industry is dictated solely by sporting motivation. His experience also shows that MotoGP remains a man's story, that you can remain master of your destiny by deciding for yourself, freely. Respect champion.
