Johann zarco stood out during this first Grand Prix of the year at Qatar. It is the least we can say. He led strongly at the start of the race before making a mistake. Discreet during the tests, he gradually gained strength, starting by taking control of a brilliant Folger teammate who was attacking him. Comments about the Frenchman have been laudatory. But with a downside nonetheless.
Although we attract sympathy and command respect with two consecutive world titles in the very competitive Moto2, we do not strictly speaking make friends in the MotoGP peloton. A competition remains a competition.
The performance of the tricolor from Tech3 was praised by all. But still, there was this departure, Johann's first in the category, which did not leave some people indifferent. And two in particular: the winner Maverick Vinales and seventh overall but also winner of the satellite pilots, Scott Redding.
During the press conference, the teammate of a Red, who also congratulated John Zarco, began his response to the question about the Frenchman’s performance: “ Are you asking me that for after or during the first turn? I got off to a good start, entered second into the first corner and then Johann appeared. I was forced to lift the bike, otherwise we would both fall ».
So it doesn't matter much. It will be recalled that, during this time, Cal Crutchlow ripped off the rear camera Red after a very virile contact.
This departure of the Yamaha Tech3 also remains in the memory of Scott Redding : " my start was good, but Zarco's risky driving forced me to cut the throttle and I then lost a lot of places ».
But all's well that ends well. Casa Particular in Viñales was victorious and Redding matched his best result since 2014.
