Ranked second on the first day of the MotoGP test in Jerez, Johann zarco answered questions from journalists at the end of the first MotoGP tests of the 2022 season.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French pilot, overall very satisfied with these tests.
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 : " Overall, a good test! Today was a little more difficult than yesterday because the wind was in a different direction. From the first outing, I suffered quite a bit because perhaps the track conditions had changed today, and the feeling with the rear was not exactly the same. But at least I was able to do many laps again, and quite regularly even if I wasn't very fast. But like that, it was very good to continue testing and confirming things, to prepare for next year as best as possible. So I'm satisfied to have had these two days of testing and to do many laps to get even more feeling on the bike, here in Jerez, which is a technical track where it is good to work. So I'm happy with everything, especially since not crashing to end the season is also important. »
Have you been able to test the new Ducati fairing?
« I tested the new fairing and it was interesting, but obviously it was not easy to give a clear comment because there was a strong wind from a different direction from yesterday. Whether it was with one fairing or another, it was always a fight with the bike, and when you fight too much it's difficult to give a clear comment. There are positive comments on it, and perhaps this is the main thing. »
Have you been able to test the new Ducati engine?
« The new engine too. Here is a small circuit. Everything worked fine, so at least there's nothing worse, which is a positive. But it's hard to say how much faster it can be because we only use sixth gear for two seconds on this track, and we only reach 300 km/h. So it's not the best track to test an engine, but at least we were able to do some kilometers on it and everything worked well. »
What did you ask for the next test?
« Not much. As long as Pecco Bagnaia is as fast as he was today, I still have things to understand (laughs). I think the potential of the bike is still growing, and it's good to feel that. Personally, the work I have to do is to have even more feeling, not to do exactly like Pecco but to go in that direction, then mix that with my style. »
Pecco Bagnaia said Ducati had improved an already perfect bike. Is this your impression too?
« I also think, yes. In my opinion, the potential is extremely good. We can still improve small things to make it even better, and he has felt so good on it for a while, and he confirmed it at the end of the season, that for him the bike is already perfect. I think it can be even healthier to sometimes erase driving errors. »
Were you able to work on your driving style as you wanted?
« Yes, I worked on the steering, in all these braking phases where Bagnaia is very strong. Yesterday, I did 78 laps and today around sixty (65), so I was able to try to look for things, and I will see this winter how I can adapt my training to continue to gain sensations on this. »
Have you been able to try the Ducati long exhaust?
“No, we didn’t need to test. I even think that with the new engine, it was the old exhausts. So we didn't test it. »
How do you explain the gap that there is today between Francesco Bagnaia and the others?
« I think he put the soft tire on at the right time. It was still morning and the wind was starting to blow but it managed to push through. And as he already felt good with the medium yesterday, he was able to perform extra well with the software. But then the wind continued to pick up more, and that's it: Everyone is trying, (Johann then looks at the live timing) Fabio is in 37,5 but it's not easy to get much better. In my opinion, this is it: He used the soft tire at the best time, in addition to the fact that it feels good. »
Combined ranking (provisional):
Credit Ranking: MotoGP.com
