Far from the somewhat formatted communication of traditional press releases, the exchanges between the French pilot and the journalists in the Tech3 hospitality are of a richness and simplicity that true enthusiasts will appreciate (you can find all his past debriefs in our section (“Interviews").
There is always the little detail that immerses us more every day in the world of MotoGP…
As usual, we report here the entirety of Johann Zarco's comments, in raw form, therefore without any journalistic formatting or distortion.
Johann zarco: “The day was good. As I said, yesterday wasn't bad because the position was a bit far but the time was close. This meant that it was necessary to work on the bike and find a solution to be faster. Even though I fell because it was very windy, we took a step forward this morning. Few drivers were able to improve, and since I was able to do so, it meant we had made good progress. I fell because I had to push hard, but it didn't worry me because I knew why.
In FP4, I think we did a good job with the new tires. There were still a few issues but by going out twice we were able to sort them out.
In qualifying, during my first outing, I saw the time I had set and I was already happy about it. It wasn't easy but I felt very good and quite comfortable. I drank and went back to attack with the second tire, and the time was pretty good. This means that the work done with the team so far has been good. In dry conditions I can be ready for the race, since starting from the second row is a very important point to start quickly and be in the leading group. Then I hope I can have a fast pace while conserving the body energy and concentration I need throughout the race. This, in the dry.
What are the problems encountered on this circuit?
“The problems encountered on this type of circuit are not speed problems because we do not exceed 300 km/h. The route is rather small, so as soon as you pass a bend you are already in the next one. All the corners come at you very quickly, and if you have a problem you drag it with you for most of the lap, and it tires you out a lot. I've been struggling with this since yesterday, but now I think I'm able to go quickly and not suffer any more. »
Did Yamaha consider you replacing Rossi?
" No no. Even if it was possible, I think it was good to work on my bike. Yesterday I started testing with the new fairing and quickly felt that it was very good for stability. So we have to keep the bike that I know and continue to work on it, because I'm not yet using 100% of this bike. »
You left with tires that were both 15 laps old to do a race simulation. It went well ? You are reassured ?
“I'm happy to have had good feelings but I think the pace for the podium will be 33.6 or 33.7. This capacity, with worn tires, we don't have yet. We didn't have it in FP4. We had an interesting pace and I was pretty good in terms of effort on the bike, so I felt that there was progress to be made and if we manage to do all our laps in 33.9, that can assure us a beautiful place. Maybe not a podium, but already a Top 5 and that will be excellent. »
Are you prepared for all scenarios, including if it's not dry?
“We'll have to adapt, but whether it's dry or wet, I would prefer a race without having to go through the pits from start to finish, to have better tire management and get the feeling from start to finish. 'at the end.
If the track is wet, you will have to see if the track is slippery but there will not be a big tire strategy. We should ensure by taking soft tires, even for the rain, and use them until the end. »
How was the grip compared to yesterday?
“The track didn't seem so bad, but this morning it was the wind that really put us in difficulty. In fact, he was pushing sideways throughout the exit of turn #10 and for the entry to #11 which is really a very fast break. That's why there were a lot of drivers who went out on red. If we insist, we can lose the front, and at these speeds we wonder, unless we are crazy. This prevented us from going fast and we lost time, a lot of tenths, in sections at over 280 km/h. That was the difficulty this morning.
This afternoon, the wind died down a little and that gave me confidence. »
The turns that come very quickly, are they really specific to this circuit?
“A lot of turns that follow one another... there can be Texas, despite the fact that it's a long track. But I still have this feeling more here. »
In Jerez too?
" Not that much. I thought about it, but it doesn't have the same effect. »
When was the last time you drove in the wet here?
“I think we must have had a session in the rain in Moto2 in the last two years. But you have to live in the present, adapt to tomorrow and see what happens. In any case, it will be the same for everyone, we will have to quickly analyze and know where we can push, and where we must remain cautious. »
#SanMarinoGP MotoGP J.2: Chronos
| 1 | 25 | Maverick VIÑALES | Yamaha | 1'32.439 | ||
| 2 | 4 | Andrea Dovizioso | Ducati | 1'32.601 | 0.162 | 0.162 |
| 3 | 93 | Marc Márquez | Honda | 1'32.636 | 0.197 | 0.035 |
| 4 | 35 | Cal Crutchlow | Honda | 1'32.768 | 0.329 | 0.132 |
| 5 | 99 | Jorge Lorenzo | Ducati | 1'32.792 | 0.353 | 0.024 |
| 6 | 5 | johann zarco | Yamaha | 1'32.885 | 0.446 | 0.093 |
| 7 | 26 | Dani PEDROSA | Honda | 1'32.992 | 0.553 | 0.107 |
| 8 | 9 | Danilo PETRUCCI | Ducati | 1'32.997 | 0.558 | 0.005 |
| 9 | 41 | Aleix Espargaro | Aprilia | 1'33.149 | 0.710 | 0.152 |
| 10 | 19 | Alvaro BAUTISTA | Ducati | 1'33.417 | 0.978 | 0.268 |
| 11 | 51 | Michael PIRRO | Ducati | 1'33.491 | 1.052 | 0.074 |
| 12 | 17 | Karel ABRAHAM | Ducati | 1'34.374 | 1.935 | 0.883 |
| Q1 Results: | ||||||
| Q2 | 19 | Alvaro BAUTISTA | Ducati | 1'33.563 | ||
| Q2 | 17 | Karel ABRAHAM | Ducati | 1'33.786 | 0.223 | 0.223 |
| 13 | 8 | Hector BARBERA | Ducati | 1'33.920 | 0.357 | 0.134 |
| 14 | 43 | Jack Miller | Honda | 1'33.933 | 0.370 | 0.013 |
| 15 | 76 | Loris BAZ | Ducati | 1'33.946 | 0.383 | 0.013 |
| 16 | 94 | Jonas Folger | Yamaha | 1'33.987 | 0.424 | 0.041 |
| 17 | 44 | Pol Espargaró | KTM | 1'34.080 | 0.517 | 0.093 |
| 18 | 53 | Tito RABAT | Honda | 1'34.095 | 0.532 | 0.015 |
| 19 | 45 | Scott REDDING | Ducati | 1'34.132 | 0.569 | 0.037 |
| 20 | 42 | Alex Rins | Suzuki | 1'34.138 | 0.575 | 0.006 |
| 21 | 29 | Andrea Iannone | Suzuki | 1'34.148 | 0.585 | 0.010 |
| 22 | 38 | Bradley SMITH | KTM | 1'34.507 | 0.944 | 0.359 |
| 23 | 22 | Sam LOWES | Aprilia | 1'35.659 | 2.096 | 1.152 |
Learn more at https://www.paddock-gp.com/sanmarinogp-motogp-j-2-crutchlow-pointe-podium-doigt/#kcIpICE8zXlTMMUZ.99
