Johann Zarco and Luca Marini, both having migrated from Ducati teams to Honda, began their adventure with Honda's ambitious revitalization project, each with a two-year contract in their pocket. However, from the first MotoGP clashes, a notable difference was established between the two friends: Zarco, at the wheel of his LCR machine, quickly adapted to the RC213V, in opposition to Marini who, despite his affiliation with the The factory team is struggling to find its rhythm.
Johann zarco, with its experience and 33 years, refuses to leave the shadow of a possible disappointment in Honda, similar to that experienced at KTM in 2019, hover over him. “ My move from Yamaha to KTM was a shock. It was this shock that pushed me to leave KTM. But with Ducati, I learned so much that I can now clearly see where I stand in relation to the equipment. ", Explain zarco, optimistic and full of confidence.
Aware of the sporting challenge represented by his time with Honda LCR compared to his days at Pramac-Ducati, zarco however, appears to be the most optimistic of the four pilots Honda, nourishing a positive feeling despite an apparent decline in the hierarchy.
Luca Marini: “ Johann Zarco has more experience and has more confidence in the bike »
Luca marini, for his part, recognizes the expertise of the double World Champion Moto2 and admits that the Frenchman was able to better adapt to the transition to Honda. " Johann Zarco has more confidence in motorcycling ", admits Marini, emphasizing the superiority of zarco in managing the balance between the front and rear of the motorcycle in curves: " I think that Johann has more experience and better understands the sensations of the front and rear wheels when entering the turn ».
Marini, despite divergent driving styles, notes that they share similar difficulties, but emphasizes that zarco manages to better exploit the capabilities of the Honda, notably thanks to its increased aggressiveness in turns.
The tricolor, for its part, attributes these differences to a question of confidence reinforced by its experience. He notes that although their approach differs, his style has proven more effective, particularly in Qatar. In Portimao, despite specific challenges, especially in the last turns, zarco managed to do well, contrasting with the performances of Marini who is still struggling to find his feet.
As both drivers continue to adjust to their new mounts, upcoming tests and races will determine how well they can realize their ambitions and overcome the challenges inherent in this team change. On this level, while Marini has already carried out private tests at Jerez between Qatar and Portimao, the exact plan of the tests for Johann zarco is not yet clear: “ we have 260 tires, but for five drivers. This means that each pilot has perhaps three days. You cannot have ten days of testing per pilot during the year »reminds the Frenchman about the new concession points in the regulations.
