Johann Zarco returned to form in Malaysia. On a scorching Sepang circuit that was merciless to the tires, the LCR Castrol Honda rider took an encouraging 12th place, at the end of a weekend in which he showed clear signs of renewed confidence.
Qualified 9th, the Frenchman had announced his intentions from the Sprint from Saturday: Honda progresses, and so does he. And Sunday, he confirmed it.
As soon as the lights go out, zarco joins the battle for the top 7, incisive under braking and attentive to the slightest openings. But the Malaysian heat forgives nothing: as the laps go by, tire wear becomes its worst adversary.
The Frenchman says: “I was happy with the start of the race and the first laps. I was in a good position and I was able to control my pace for a while, because I wasn't that far from the group in frontBut as the laps went by, I couldn't manage the tire drop, and that's when other drivers overtook me.. »
Despite the frustration of not being able to defend his position any longer, zarco secured the essentials: crossing the line, collecting points and leaving with a positive balance sheet.
« I tried to finish the race as well as possible, and overall, after a lot of struggle, we had a solid weekend. We must continue to progress »
Johann Zarco solid under the Sepang heat: points, progress and hope
This result does not erase the difficulties, but it confirms a trend: zarco et Honda are raising their heads slightly in the final stretch of the season.
The battle for top driver status Honda remains open, and every point will count in the last two rounds.
The Frenchman's objectives at Sepang was accomplished. It was about getting closer to the top 10, collecting points, improving technically, regaining one's feelings and breaking the negative spiral.
Next meeting : Portimão, another demanding track where tire management and aggressiveness in the twists and turns will be decisive. If Sepang was a test, the Portugal could well be the confirmation.
MotoGP, Malaysia J3: ranking
