Johann Zarco only 16th in Sepang testing, but without thinking about the time. The search for the perfect feeling with the Ducati continues.
About Diane Tamantini de Motoracing
All Ducatis finished at the top of the rankings, except one. Indeed, Johann zarco is the only one from the red house to have finished the Sepang tests outside the top ten, more precisely in 16th position. This with a gap of less than a second on the leader of the classification Marini. But a good lap time reference was not the main objective of the Pramac rider, who worked on the bike and on the sensations in the saddle. Could this be the right year to take this additional step that he has not been able to take until now?
Many comparative tests have been carried out Sepang, from the engine to the fairing and aerodynamics in general, as a “test pilot”. Something that zarco never hated it, he's reiterated it himself in the past and it's certainly a big help at Ducati, as also mentioned by the top management of Borgo Panigale. A program for everyone interrupted by rain, but the Desmosedici have already started again where they left off last year.
Johann Zarco: “ I can be fast, but I still don't have the fluidity I would like«
As mentioned, 16th place zarco is not entirely true precisely because the Frenchman did not look for time. But also because we must not forget the 7th place on the first day, the only one on a completely dry track. “ The main objective was to have a good feeling on the bike" , highlighted zarco at motogp.com. “ There have been significant advances. I can be fast, but I still don't have the fluidity I would like. This year will be even bigger with 42 races ».
So there's still a little something missing to stay on top for the long term. In a month, there are the tests of Portimao, the last chance before the start of a new season, during which a "curse" must be broken. Many podiums came, but this led zarco to the absolute record for podiums in MotoGP without even a victory, leaving Colin Edwards behind.
In fact, the double Moto2 champion has not yet managed to climb this step to win at least once in the premier category. He is one of the pilots Ducati the strongest, but it still lacks that little step. This is an increasingly difficult objective with the current level of the category, but the next Grands Prix will tell us. The 2023 season hasn't started yet, but the impression, once again, is that whoever drives a Desmosedici already has a certain advantage...
Ranking of MotoGP Test results at Sepang J3:
Combined ranking of the MotoGP Test at Sepang J1/J2/J3:
Credit rankings: MotoGP.com
