The SHARK Helmets Grand Prix de France 2019 organized its press conference this Tuesday in Paris on the Bateaux Mouches in the presence of around a hundred guests, bringing together media, partners and drivers.
The opportunity for Claude Michy, the promoter of the French Grand Prix, to present all the key elements of the French Grand Prix, with particular emphasis on the provision of new videos (visit to the Race Direction, the KTM box with Johann Zarco, etc. .) which will be accessible on site for spectators via a QR Code, as well as the 3rd edition of the International Bridgestone Handy Race discussed in the presence of Kevin Simonato, Vice-President of the Handi Free Riders association, andEmiliano Malagoli, President of the Italian association Di. Di. Variously Disabled.
Before letting the six pilots present speak, the floor was given to Jacques Bolle, President of the FFM, Patrick François, President of SHARK Helmets, the French company title sponsor for the 3 upcoming editions of the French Moto Grand Prix, as well as Didier Lahaye et Thomas Senecal, respectively Deputy Director of Sports and Editor-in-Chief of Motor Sports for the Canal+ group.
Finally, the MotoGP riders Johann zarco, Fabio Quartararo et Miguel Oliveira, as well as MotoE riders Randy De Puniet, Mike Di Meglio et Kenny Foray, were able to answer questions from Remy Tissier before taking part in the photos and interviews.
Miguel Oliveira, do you speak and understand French?
" Good morning ! I understand it a little.”
What is your goal for the end of the season?
“The best possible. Randy (De Puniet) just said that the bike could make a top 5, and I believe him. Of course, I have more experienced teammates, including in the factory team, but if they can do it, I can do it too. As a rookie, I have to increase my experience and understand how the bike works, not really develop the bike but just try some parts to see if it is better or not, and progress, like in any normal job.”
Are you satisfied with your 17th place in Qatar?
“It's not what I expected after spending more than half the race in the points. I wasn't expecting to downshift that much during the last few laps, but I lost a little more rear grip than I was used to. Maybe I pushed too hard at the start and didn't save the tire enough for the last phase of the race. So I have to analyze and work on this to progress and see how to improve my driving. The last lap was disappointing because Fabio also overtook me for 16th place (laughs), but hey, it wasn't for points and I was quite disappointed because I really felt that I had a good speed and the race was going very well, but I didn't reach the goal. So yes, disappointed with the final phase, but we worked well throughout the weekend and we showed good speed. We also showed that the team is good at solving the problems of a race weekend, so we are gaining experience. We keep our composure and calm, and the results will come naturally.”
