This Sunday, November 7, 2021, John Zarco answered questions from journalists from the Algarve International Autodrome in Portimão, at the end of the Grande Prémio Brembo do Algarve.
We went to listen (via teleconference software) to the words of the French driver who finished 5th and thus won the title of first independent driver 2021.
As usual, we report here the words of John Zarco without the slightest formatting, even if it is partially translated (vouvoiement in English, tutoiement in French).
Johann zarco : " A good confirmation of the speed during the weekend. And in the race, the feeling was quite good and I was even able to believe that I could fight for the podium. Pace on the hard rear tire could be an advantage in the last five laps, and I was using that advantage, or at least trying, because I had confidence with it. Then there was the red flag, and OK, I got fifth place. Either way, I'm happy! I think Mir confirms that he is a world champion: he was very strong throughout the weekend and he showed that he wanted it, and with today's 20 points he saves third global position. So that kind of little light has gone out for this year, but I still think that fighting for the top five or the top four is a nice goal to keep in mind, because after the difficult races that I have had, I am now happy to be strong again. Clearly, I'm losing too much time at the start and in the first lap: maybe I lack a little confidence in the first turns of the first lap to really attack from the front and maybe I'm afraid of crashing. Other riders have more feeling in this area and they can probably try a little more, and when they try and it goes well, they block me and I can't get into a good rhythm straight away. This is the weak point and I really try to force it on this. I try to analyze everything and I'm not making a worse start than at the start of the year, it's really the others who have made a huge improvement, and I haven't gotten that improvement yet. Just by watching on television, it looks like I'm doing worse than at the start of the year, but we looked at all the data and it's the others who have something more. So it's a shame because today, as I felt good, I missed a great chance for a podium because of his first two laps, or the start and the first lap. But at least feeling good at the end of the race and feeling physically fresher because the feeling is back, it's very positive to finish the season this way and to go to Valencia next week. So I'm happy and I should be happy! »
Why did you change rear tires on the grid from medium to hard?
« We had planned to put the rear hard because yesterday I saw a lot of drivers doing well with it. I had not had the opportunity to try it, but knowing this tire and with the experience of the month of April, I believed that this tire could work well for me. And with the lack of wind and good temperatures today, I was confident I could use this tire. From the start it worked really well, so I was happy with that and very excited that it could help me at the end of the race. I was expecting to have a bigger advantage before, but it didn't come because the other drivers were going very fast, but at least he started well and the choice was good. It was a good choice which offered a chance of a podium »
But that didn't help you to have more confidence at the start: So only the front tire counts?
« Yes exactly. I'm always careful to see how the tire behaves, but the way the tire behaved today, it was ready."
You are assured of the place of best independent pilot. Does that mean something to you?
« Yes, it still remains a confirmation of consistency and good ability, because this is the third time that I have won this title. And it's better than nothing! Let's say I was obsessed with the title: I dreamed of it and I was so close to it that Independent Rider has almost no meaning when I'm playing a world title. But ultimately, having wanted to aim so high because I had the abilities and the opportunity, let's say that I still reap the small prestigious prizes. »
You have just completed two fifth places. Does this confirm your return to form after a somewhat complicated period?
« Yes, that's what's good because it's clear that there was an extremely difficult phase, difficult and long to explain, so now is not the time. But it's good to be able to set the record straight and get my performance back. Afterwards, the course (to arrive) at Bagnaia, I would like it but he also took a step forward and confirmed his speed. It makes you want to do it and I also have to do it my own way, because wanting to do it your way, ultimately, doesn't succeed enough for me. »
Was winning the independent riders' title with a semi-official bike easier than at Tech3?
« I remember that with Tech3, especially in 2018, there was this fight in terms of points with Petrucci, who still had good seasons with certain podiums. There, yes, almost, because you can achieve a top three or even a world title with the bike, so we can say it like that. But when you're in difficulty, you get as close as you can, and I find that this title still remains a bit emblematic, so I'll take it.
Thinking about it, it was Aleix (Espargaró) who played for this place with me at the end of the year, but it is not only us, Pramac, who are well armed: There is the LCR team which has two renowned riders and good bikes, so it's not a small title. There are still some good calibers in there. »
Why, when leaving, do the first seconds often go badly?
« As I said in English, we analyzed very well and I'm not starting any worse than at the start of the year. It’s the others who are really off to a better start! They have reached a milestone of 2/10 and as in fact we are all grouped together on a line, these 2/10 quickly become three places and it's hard to get them back, especially since I also have a little lack of confidence and I can't place the bike the way I want from the first turns to make up for lost time. I tried lots of things to be able to progress, we have the data, but it doesn't fit so easily. But clearly, I actually even gained 1/10 compared to the beginning of the year, but the others gained three! »
Results of the MotoGP Algarve Grand Prix in Portimão:
Credit Ranking: motogp.com
