“They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it,” Johann zarco likes to quote this famous phrase from Mark Twain which, in fact, fits very well with his sometimes somewhat erratic career.
Because since his debut during the first Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup which he won in 2007, the path of the Frenchman who cut his teeth in Pocket-bike is only a series of twists and turns which, each time, generates the doubt about the validity of his decisions...
Let it be judged, in 2008 he left the Red Bull MotoGP Academy in Spain, a logical continuation of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, to do some freelance work in Italy, including a victorious one with the Gabrielli team in Vallelunga,
Despite this surprising transalpine escapade, the Cannes native managed to join the 125cc world championship, within the WTR San Marino team for two years of learning, before joining Aki Ajo's team in 2011, in the wake of Marc Marquez.
Everyone remembers that terrible 2011 season during which the one who took number 5 had to face Nico Terol, sometimes with the help of very particular maneuvers…
His first GP victory was taken away from him twice (Barcelona and Sachsenring) before being made official in Japan.
His status as vice-world champion opened the doors to Moto2 for him, but in “exotic” teams, such as JIR, Ioda and Caterham, from 2012 to 2014, a period where he progressed steadily and acquired his qualification as a “hard-working rider”. ". During this period, we also remember the sudden about-face of his management when it was expected the following year at Marc VDS, one of the top teams in the category...
Once again it is Ajo Motorsport which will finally allow the Frenchman to show his talent, with the world title at stake.
More Johann zarco does not take the opportunity to move to MotoGP and prefers to repeat in the intermediate category rather than arriving in a second-rate team. A risky and contested bet at the time, the MotoGP train rarely passes twice...
A second Moto2 title, a first in the category, once again demonstrates the strength of the boy, and opens the doors to Tech3 in 2017.
After two years of thrilling French fans, the entourage of Johann zarco refuses any discussion concerning a completed Honda and signs with KTM for an RC16 in full development. Another very risky bet which, this time, ended badly, with the abandonment of his place as factory driver during the season, unheard of at the time.
“I was afraid of losing my fast driver side. You have to think about winning, but take advantage of everything else to enjoy your moment. You can only do this if you are mature. Some pilots are mature at 22, others at 30” he explained recently during the last Grand Prix in Valencia to his partner Red Bull. At the material time, the Frenchman was 29 years old…
After a freelance stint at LCR riding the Honda (as it turns out…), Johann zarco found refuge at Avintia (so what…) before flourishing at Pramac over the last three years.
Three years taken advantage of to finally obtain this famous first victory, in 2023 in Australia.
“When we say “Johann Zarco, MotoGP™ winner”, I feel quite proud. I am part of this group of winners and I am very happy about it. It really hit the ego, let's say. But it's not the same feeling as when I did it and crossed the line. It wasn't about ego at that moment, I wasn't proud, I was happy and relieved. Now I can breathe more and be glad I did it. It's a feeling of pride. »
“When you are younger, you think that winning a world championship – not just MotoGP™ – or even becoming world champion will change your life, because you will be rich and everything will be easier. But the way my career has gone, I haven't had that. Sure, I have a better life, wealthier financially, but not to the point where I no longer need to work and just live on an island. »
Despite this much desired outcome, Johann zarco has once again made a choice that calls for the 2024 season: abandoning the world champion Ducati to ride the Honda last in the manufacturers' ranking!
“I am very happy to turn the page and start a new chapter. I did my time at Ducati. »
Certainly, Johann zarco has never ceased to surprise us… but ultimately always for the better!
