Today we spent the day on the Paul Ricard circuit as part of the Sunday Ride Classic. We always have the impression of living a moment in the history of motorcycling, watching the exceptional champions such as Giacomo Agostini, Steve Baker or Christian Sarron, to name only the most famous, set off on the great circuit on the handlebars of their Yamaha 750.
But we also had the impression of witnessing a turning point in the state of mind and behavior of our double world champion Johann Zarco.
Until now, Johann Zarco, focused on obtaining his first title, then his second, was rather inclined to isolate himself from the outside world and did not taste much of the joys of fame, and the disadvantages that usually go with it. Reserved, even sometimes a little distant, he was discreet and you could, for example, find him in the morning in the paddock of a Grand Prix, his toothbrush in hand (until last year, the French driver was sleeping in the paddock), and no one really looked back as he passed.
But that was before…
Before he makes his arrival in MotoGP: and what an arrival! His first two Grands Prix in the premier category enchanted the public in general, and the French public in particular, and, since then, Johann Zarco has become the object of all the attention of the latter.
Thus, present at Paul Ricard to sign autographs, Johann Zarco, and Shark Helmets who managed the event, were surprised by the enormous success encountered by the Tech3 pilot with the public present.
Usually, a book signing lasts 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the crowd. This morning, Johann Zarco signed posters and helmets for almost 2 hours, taking selfies with an authentic smile, and not a fake one, like the majority of Grand Prix drivers. Johann Zarco, relaxed, takes pleasure in meeting his audience, and it shows!
This afternoon, given the success, Shark had reinforced its system, with a direction of passage and a route duly marked by barriers and plastic banners...
And again: Johann Zarco, tireless and serene, pleased his fans for almost 2 additional hours! We might as well say it right away, we have never seen this, especially since, far from the hysteria sometimes encountered around Rossi or Marquez, the supporters of number 5 proved to be as patient as they were disciplined and respectful. No jostling, no bad gestures, no irritation: everyone waited patiently knowing that Johann would not disappoint them and would stay until all requests were satisfied. And that's what happened.
So maybe this is due to the novelty, and maybe it won't last, especially during a Grand Prix weekend where the timing is necessarily tighter and the atmosphere more tense, but, today Today, this pleasure and this respect of the public, just like this pleasure and this serenity of the pilot, have generated a moment of shared pleasure that is somewhat unique and magical.
