This Saturday February 5, 2022, Johann zarco answered questions from journalists from the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, following the first of two days of IRTA testing marking the real start of the 2022 season.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French rider who tried a new Ducati system…
As usual, we report here the words of Johann zarco without the slightest formatting, even if it is partially translated (vouvoiement in English, tutoiement in French).
John Zarco: « A good first day! At the beginning, I had to sort out two things so I lost a little time, but there was no stress because it was the first day and we have time. We always try to prepare for the heat, but from the first outing with the first tire, then the second, you have to experience it to understand it because it's so extreme! But I'm happy that in the afternoon, while it was still very hot, I had a better feeling and I was able to adapt my body better, so in that regard it was a good day and I I was clearly able to do many good laps in the afternoon as well as a good time to stay in a good position. So I'm happy with that! We didn't have so many new things to try because we had already done this big job in Jerez, and now we are confirming these elements from Jerez. Everything we were able to try in Jerez we now have to use: I know how it works on the bike but the system is different and they have to adjust everything. We have to take time for this and everything is not perfect yet, but not having too many new things to try is an advantage that allows me to work on myself. The biggest thing today was the confirmation of the new fairing »
How is the atmosphere in the box after the change of organization?
« The atmosphere remains the same because the Pramac base is still there. There are a lot of people who are used to being at Pramac so the mentality is there. The new people who have arrived are here to start working together, and I know and feel that the five days of testing will be useful to recreate the group well. Even if the group knows each other well, it is always useful to start working because the winter break was for the drivers but also for the mechanics, and in mechanics everything does not always work as you want and the mechanics must always be ready sometimes fixing things at the last minute. That's the challenge this weekend: getting used to the new components and new things. The mind is there, Pramac's base is Campinoti, so even if it is not present, the mind is there? »
Were you able to confirm the new fairing?
« Yes ! I couldn't confirm it in Jerez because the conditions were too windy, but here, on a bigger circuit, it was easier to say yes, so I think it's now good for Ducati to confirm it and to make more for this season. »
Does this fairing force you to change your riding style?
« We must not adapt our style to this new fairing. It simply provides a better feeling for riding the bike, so when it's positive like that you have more fun riding the bike. When I talk about working on the pilot, I'm not the type of pilot who says he knows everything. I've always led my career this way, so when a Ducati rider wins and I'm still learning, that's why I say it's good to work on the rider. But I'm sure I can still find a few keys to feel comfortable and then improve. »
How does this fairing make you more comfortable?
« It helps a lot with handling, in big turns, where you have to fight more with the wind. »
How do you feel physically after this first day?
« I'm quite happy with the adaptation on the bike: it's coming back well! And with all the reflection of winter, it's useful for it to come back well and start in a slightly new style to use it differently, to open new doors and be better. The objective is to be very strong in Qatar, so on the calendar we have to take the test in Sepang as a preparation phase. But when you are in the subject, you are obliged to perform because just for the psychologist it allows you to be more peaceful to work well. So, you have to be in shape almost at a time of the year when, if you look at it on paper, the peak of form is better to be in Qatar. This is where it is sometimes not easy to manage. Fitness is fine, but at this level you have to do everything to make it better and better, because it's going really, really quickly. »
Do you feel that your bike has progressed well?
« Yes, the bike is really super efficient. Not always easy to manage, and that's where you have to be good to quickly touch the right buttons to be comfortable. Here, in Malaysia, it's a track that I like, but the hardest part is the weather conditions: this heat destroys! But it's a track that I like and it's nice to really be able to use your bike. There, the Ducati, on a big circuit like that, I like to feel that we have the advantage of the bike: that alone allows you to be calmer. »
What do you think of the new engine?
« Yes, the engine works well, but it's hard to tell a difference when you've had a long break and you get back on the bike. It's so fine it's hard to tell. There, the top speed is still a bit like in Qatar: limit with where you brake. So, I think there is a way to gain 3 or 4 km/h by braking later, but for the moment I prefer to take the curve. As a result, I have three km/h less. »
There is a rumor that the Ducati have a new system which now allows the front to also be lowered when exiting corners. Can you confirm ?
« Yes, we're working on it a little because it works well, but it takes a little time. »
Sepang MotoGP Test rankings on Saturday:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
