Let's talk MotoGP: Johann Zarco plays big in Valencia

Johann Zarco's season is strange. While he was off to a fairly good start, the Frenchman had a difficult end to the year, marked by more than average qualifications and starts. Together, let's analyze this difficult episode.

I) A real phenomenon

Although Zarco's speed is not in question, we cannot deny that his results, especially in the last five races, are mixed. The statistics are clear. From the Qatar Grand Prix to the Austrian Grand Prix, Johann left with 12,5 point on average when it was not falling. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that he fell three times during this period, and once involved in a collision at Misano. From this point of view, the Pramac driver is average.

From Aragón, it only runs at 8,2 points per race. LThe gap is impressive. The problem is perhaps larger than we imagine. Indeed, it is easy to see that departures are not his strong point. But it goes further: The start of the race, in general, is detrimental to him and tends to reduce his chances of a podium. Reason, only he knows it. Certainly, we are aware of his adaptation problems and the defects of his 2022 machine when the lights go out (Australia et Sepang), but we can note a real difficulty in managing starts.

We also suspect a lack of aggressiveness, in doubt of making a mistake. Let us remember that the Frenchman saw himself, sometimes unfairly, it is true, penalized or called to order for his daring excesses, particularly during the 2017-2020 period. It's difficult to fully attack on a machine you don't have 100% confidence in. As he confided after Phillip Island, he lacks naturalness and this greatly influences the performance.

 

 

The problem is that this difficulty of overcoming a motorcycle not perfectly suited to one's style must not affect confidence, a central element in the quest for performance. Zarco often struggles with tense situations since his arrival in MotoGP. His body language sometimes suggests a very disappointed man, totally dejected after a fall or a lackluster result.

Nothing serious at the moment, many pilots are experiencing bad timess. But Johann should not lose his characteristic incisiveness. The development of his races is always excellent, and this is precisely what allows him to land on his feet on Sunday afternoon.

II) His season will be played in Valencia

The final round of the world championship is of capital importance for Zarco. And this on several levels. First, on the scale of trust. It is important to finish the year well in order to be in total control during the post-race tests. Additionally, it could reverse its momentum, start again on a new basis in some way.

Second, from a championship perspective. Without lying, Johann's season is more disappointing than satisfactory. The double Moto2 world champion is currently 8,7 points average salary. 9,6 last year. It is not negligible. On an analytical level, many opportunities are missed, often for the reasons explained previously (Mandalika, Silverstone et Buriram especially). He is currently seventh in the championship, after finishing fifth in 2021.

 

 

However, nothing is decided. Indeed, 23 point separate it from Jack Miller, fifth. Needless to say, finding the Australian is almost mission impossible, but Brad Binder, just two points ahead, is within range.

Without mentioning financial considerations that we are not aware of, winning a place in Valencia is always important, especially since it is really accessible. Johann has good results on the circuit Ricardo Tormo, especially in lower categories. He is in difficulty on the Ducati, it's true, but Binder is not much more comfortable.

Zarco benefits from a better package ; the circuit corresponds well to the Desmosedici, but above all with a greater speed than its counterpart. If he makes a good start to the race, there is a very good chance that he will be ahead of the South African at the finish, potentially synonymous with gaining place. Remember that Binder has finished fourth or better only three times this season, compared to six for Zarco; the latter can definitely get the places that count.

Conclusion:

In our opinion, or at least the author of this article, who does not reflect the opinion of the rest of the editorial staff, Johann will go for this sixth place overall, more important for confidence than for the position itself – you would have understood it. By being faster, on a turnstile like Valencia, Zarco should have the pace to play for the top 5, unfamiliar territory for Brad Binder. Of course, the KTM being the most unpredictable mount on the grid, we are not immune to an exploit.

There is no doubt that Johann, as a great competitor, has this place in his sights. He will have to fight his way to the front very early in the race, and it is also the perfect opportunity to send a strong message to the entire field if he succeeds.

What do you think of Zarco's season? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport