Johann Zarco has found his place both in MotoGP and at Ducati and he embraces it with a certain philosophy. The Frenchman, who is an authentic biker and does not hesitate to take the handlebars for a road trip on occasion, can boast of an honorable record as a Grand Prix rider. Double Moto2 World Champion, he boasts 15 podiums and 8 pole positions in MotoGP. But also no victory. An absence that weighs since this unproductivity is a record according to statistics. However, it is useful to the Ducati factory and also to its Pramac team. He explains how while identifying what he still lacks to play in the company of Bagnaia and Bastianini…
Johann zarco is a driver who is hard on himself and a man who is outspoken. Characteristics that are not so often shared in the paddock, but it is also true that he is in his thirties, facing peers ten years his junior. The generation is different and this is also felt in the approach to the profession. But the tricolor is not outdated yet. Otherwise, Ducati would not have renewed his confidence by exercising his option very early on. The next question was where to put it. Either leave it at Pramac or switch it to Gresini depending on the decisions that still remained to be made between Jack Miller, George Martin et Enea Bastianini. Finally, the first decided to go to KTM, and the third was preferred to the second for the red Ducati. At Pramac, in 2023, stability will be required with the renewal of the pair in place since 2021.
On this issue, Johann zarco commented : " I had to wait a bit until Ducati confirmed all the places for the upcoming season » he confirms as a preliminary. “ For me, it is important that I can continue to ride at Pramac. Because Paolo Campinoti's racing team is the second Ducati factory team for many years. We will have very competitive equipment again ».
Johann Zarco: “ I accepted the challenge of the younger generation »
Then he adds, making it clear that he knows where his place is in the MotoGP table: “ It's always a great dream to one day be part of the official factory team. But I'm basically the old man in this category at Ducati. I'm still pretty good, I accepted the challenge of the younger generation ". He explains his point of view thus: “ Ducati took 24-year-old Bastianini, who can definitely ride MotoGP for ten years longer than me. I'm not saying I'll only ride for another year. But in ten years I won't be there anymore ».
Furthermore, it also gives a political vision to its loyalty: “ the fact that I am piloting a third season for Pramac in 2023 also has its good sides. Because every satellite team needs sponsors. And when the young pilots leave after a year, the financiers lack stability. If an experienced driver stays with the team longer, it is positive for the sponsors »Assures Johann zarco. " I will do everything to give Pramac the best possible results ».
But to honor this promise, a problem must be resolved… “ With the Ducati, you need a very good feeling at the front. Pecco Bagnaia is the strongest in this area. It seems front wheel feel is my weakness. I don't feel the limit of the front tire as well as the others. This is why it takes me longer on certain tracks to get the best times, and even when I'm competitive, I don't have an optimal feeling ahead. This prevents better results ».
The tricolor is now in his third season with Ducati. With the same pattern: a good first part of the season, and a more discreet last part. This year again, this rhythm is verified: after five races, he had 51 points. But he has only collected 14 units in the last four races. In fact, he remains perplexed: “ I don't know if it's better to adapt the bike to my riding style or if my riding style should better adapt to the machine. Maybe we need to go both ways. If we then progress, and the necessary confidence would also be there » he ends on speedweek. A process that requires time and collaboration with the chief engineer. She was starting to come but it will be taken away in 2023 to be put at the service ofEnea Bastianini...
