Since his discovery of the Yamaha, the reigning double Moto2 World Champion never ceases to surprise favorably. After intelligently conducted off-season testing – fast but not disastrous – Johann started the Qatar Grand Prix well, placing eighth in the first free practice session, 1.4 behind Maverick Vinales, but 0.007 ahead of Valentino Rossi.
In the second session, Zarco improved significantly with the fourth time in 1'55.316, 0.2 behind Scott Redding, just behind his new teammate at Tech 3 Jonas Folger. It was already magnificent, but it wasn't over. Improving superbly during the third session in 1'55.008, he ranked fourth, with only Maverick Vinales, Andrea Iannone and Marc Marquez. There were a lot of people behind Johann, including all eight Ducatis and Valentino Rossi.
Zarco was obviously the best rookie and the fastest of the satellite drivers. He then had to defend his chances in qualifying, but the heavens decided otherwise and poured down enough water for Johann to keep his fourth place on the grid (but did not have the opportunity to reach the first row).
According to Johann, “ This Saturday, the qualifications could not take place. So our position on the grid will be based on the combined ranking of the free practice sessions. As a result, I am satisfied with the work we have accomplished since the first session on Thursday.
“We knew the weekend weather could have complicated things. So I discussed with my team how to be as fast as possible during testing. I'm glad this strategy worked, but I got lucky on Friday. I recorded my best time following Maverick, but I also learned a lot.
“This Sunday we will start from the first place on the second row. This will be the perfect opportunity to kick off the season in a positive way. My goal is to finish the race in a decent place.
“I would like to make a good start from fourth place and stay with the leaders like Maverick or Marquez in order to gain experience by competing against them. If I stay close to the front for at least half of the race, then I can achieve a good result. »
