After five and a half seasons in MotoGP and almost on the threshold of 32 years, Johann Zarco he is still looking for his first success in the premier category of motorcycling. With the place of honor of the Sachsenring obtained last Sunday, the Frenchman reached a total of 15 podiums, made up of ten second places and five thirds. The Ducati Prima Pramac rider is currently the best placed rider from Borgo Panigale in the rider standings, being third at 111, -61 behind the leader and fellow countryman Fabio Quartararo. An almost unexpected result for the expert bi-champion of Moto2, especially because he is often used by Ducati as a sort of test driver on the track on race weekends and for this reason much appreciated by the leaders of the Italian company, who have already publicly declared their desire continue with him also in 2023. In MotoGP at Assen Zarco has never tasted the joy of getting on the podium and has the fourth position of the last edition as his best placement, where starting fifth he finished just over six seconds behind the winner Quartararo. Here are the statements made by the centaur of Cannes in the traditional press conference on Thursday.
Budget for the first part of the season. “I am satisfied with how it is going for me, because I had not started as well as in 2021, when I had made two podiums in Qatar. I’m trying to focus on every single weekend, giving it my all and trying to control the bike as best I can. The GP22 is a bit more difficult to fix and the races are getting tougher. The results have arrived in the last races and I’m happy. “
Quartararo. “What impresses me beyond the technical aspect of the ride is his ability to bear the brunt of being world champion. When you chase the second title you have more pressure because you want to repeat yourself and others expect you to win again. His maturity is impressing me, it is not as simple as he is controlling the championship. He has a speed that at the beginning of the race makes you think that you can keep his pace, but then he goes on and you can’t follow him. “
Victory. “It’s a lot easier said than done, but why not? I think the rain might help me save some energy. If it rains in FP2 and FP3, it will mean that we will have to push already from FP1. It will be important to be on the front row, because it gives us more podium opportunities. I think this new fairing will be able to help us in the fast chicane compared to last year. “
The future. “We have a great relationship with the Ducati top management, because I speak directly to them without going through the managers. I have the necessary experience to relate to them. They know what I think and they know that for me staying with Ducati is the best opportunity to grow in terms of results and get to victory. That I will stay in the Prima Pramac team with a factory Ducati is almost certain, but I told Ciabatti and Dall’Igna that if they are so uncertain between an Italian and a Spaniard, they could have taken a Frenchman. They almost agreed, but it is clear that they have to consider several things. I have a great relationship with Paolo Campinoti and I feel good here. That said, the prestige of the factory team is undeniable and winning the factory races would open up other perspectives. I don’t feel belittled. I’m really good with the Prima Pramac team, even though everyone knows that the factory team is a step that could be a dream. They know my position and at the beginning of the year I said I was hoping to get good results to be taken into consideration. But I have no negative thoughts towards Ducati for what is happening. “
Hypothesis of sprint races. “They could give a good show, but given how intense MotoGP is, I honestly don’t see myself competing on Saturdays and Sundays. Perhaps a Superpole would be better, for pure speed on the flying lap, with no slipstreaming. It could be an idea. And then the way we do the races is interesting. Compared to Formula 1 we have a race of 40 minutes and not 1 and a half hours and this keeps the spectators more awake. At the most we can reduce the races to 30 minutes, on tracks like the Sachsenring 40 minutes may become boring for the viewers, given the large gaps. “
Fatigue after Sachsenring. “Driving like that is part of my style, I can’t seem to be more relaxed. Maybe with more relaxation I wouldn’t have the right speed. I try to train as much as possible and I hope to be ready, also given the five-week break. The GP22 is impressive in terms of qualifying lap times, and the way Pecco manages to ride it is incredible. Sometimes, however, it still seems to be a very sensitive bike and this aspect may be the reason for Bagnaia’s falls. If you don’t keep a perfect line, nasty surprises are around the corner and you can lose the races. I can’t relax, because I don’t want these kinds of surprises. “
Martin or Bastianini in Prima Pramac in 2023. “I already have a consolidated relationship with Jorge, as we have known each other for two years. The team is already formed and it would be a good way to continue. If Aeneas were to arrive it would clearly take longer to get to know us. With Jorge it would be better for the whole team, as we are used to working together. Enea has a great feeling with her team with which she has achieved three victories, and she has created something unique. Sometimes breaking up these working groups is difficult, because rebuilding them becomes complicated. “
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