After those of Sepang, during these tests in Buriram we are resuming our habit of referring to you in full the words of Johann Zarco, in a raw way, therefore without any journalistic formatting or distortion.
Alongside the sometimes slightly formatted communication of traditional press releases, the exchanges between the French rider and the journalists in the hospitality of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team are of a richness and simplicity that true enthusiasts will appreciate (you can find all his past debriefings in our section “Interviews").
There is always the little detail that immerses us more every day in the world of MotoGP…
What is your first feeling about this new circuit?
Johann zarco : “I've watched a lot of Superbike videos and my first feeling is that it's like the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, but flatter. And finally, I have now done many scooter rides and also raced on the track, and I love it. It will be easy to learn, but easy to learn means that all the drivers will be very close, that the gap between first and 15th will be very small. So this can make the game complicated but I like the two long straight lines. The start is not very long but the second, after the first turn, is quite long, like the return, but not as long as I expected. It is therefore positive for the Yamahas because on the long straights, the Ducatis are very strong. Ultimately, I hope so, I think it will be an advantage for the Yamahas because from turn #5 to #12, it requires turning while being sunk and I think it's a good point for the Yamahas to have that. Changes of direction with almost always constant speed at each turn. It makes me happy to see that. »
What is your schedule for these tests on a new circuit?
“First of all, when you first experience a track, you have to adjust a lot of things with the electronics, so I will go out immediately when the track opens tomorrow, and for the first two or three outings it will be just to adjust the electronics, such as the power delivery in certain corners. When we have this kind of base, then we can attack.
That's the first plan, then, when you have a better pace, you always have to try to stay focused and attack to beat your time and get into a good rhythm. And only after that we will work with the tires. »
Do you have any data from the Yamaha Superbike team?
“I think at Yamaha Factory, yes, and we have a basis to see what gear to take at each corner. Afterwards, we need the feeling of the driver. With experience, we know more or less which gear to use in the corners, but for this too, we will have a better idea after the first day, and what we can do, such as having a shorter third gear or a sixth longer. I don't know yet, but we're going to play with that. »
Superbike riders complain that this circuit is too easy. Does this make sense to you?
“Personally, I think it's easy to learn. You quickly know which line to take whereas, for example, in Texas, it is more complicated with 20 turns. But easy implies that there are many drivers who will go fast, while there is only one winner. This is the difficult point. Finally, in Superbike there are two winners (laughs), in MotoGP only one. »
Do you use a Camelbak, or are you considering doing so?
“No, I never use it and there are no plans to do so yet. Even here it's very hot, but the time of the weekend when you do the most laps is the race, and I try to prepare myself so that I don't drink for at least 40 minutes. »
Why?
"I don't want to be bothered by something in my mouth." At the moment I like to be really focused and not think about drinking, and that's why I prefer not to use it. »
Do you have a small inflatable pool to cool off in?
" No no. Not yet. Like I said, I'm getting ready, I'm feeling good, and when you're hot, just having a little air in the stall is good, with maybe a few damp towels. Finding the feeling on the bike to be fast without attacking is the most important secret, and it's even better than a cool swimming pool. »
Between the 2016 and 2017 bikes, have you already chosen? Will you have 2 2016 chassis here?
“Yes, I made a decision to have a clear vision in front of me for this season. I really enjoyed last year and the last races where I fought for victory. It was really good, and now I want to use this potential, with more experience and also better aerodynamics and a better engine. All these things put together. I know where I am and I know where I'm going, and that's good. »
You say you make your own decisions, but no one here has experience. Are you going to watch the other drivers?
“Why not, if I have time?” We have the ranking during the day and if I am in the top three it would mean that I have understood the track well. We'll see tomorrow but following our analysis of the track, I think there are positive points for the Yamaha, and I find that this can also be positive in relation to my style. I have my own experience and if I have any question marks left, maybe I'll try to follow someone. »
A word about Syahrin? Are you going to help him?
“Syahrin told me that maybe he would learn from me and I told him that he was definitely a smart boy and that he could feel comfortable on the bike. We haven't talked much yet, and even with Yonny in the last test, he had that MotoGP experience and I was focused on what I had to do. For Syahrin, he is younger and doesn't have experience in MotoGP, but for the way he rides, maybe it's better to find out for himself. The hardest part is discovering the bike and the track at the same time. »
Is it a problem for Yamaha if you use a different bike than the official riders?
“No, I don't think it's a big problem because every year the Tech3 team has something different compared to the factory. Tech3 never starts the season at the same level as the factory, so for logistical reasons they are used to having different bikes. We just need to choose the right one and keep it. »
Nozane, Parkes, Van der Mark, Hernandez, and now Syahrin: is this not a problem for you and the team? Doesn't that bother you a little?
“For the driver, it’s not a problem. I mean for me. It was a good thing it was Jonas because he was very competitive and he could push you to attack and go faster. Afterwards, at the end of the season, yes, there were several different guys who were not used to MotoGP. So for me it means there was no competition with the teammate, but it doesn't matter since I have my own things to do. It's more complicated for the team and for the mechanics because when you can't really have a great relationship with your rider, it's also difficult for them to find motivation to constantly build the bike and rebuild it. case of fall. When you have a good feeling with your driver, you enjoy doing it, whereas now they do it because they have to do it, but more out of passion. So it's harder for the guys than for me. »
