MotoGP: Despite Being “Fortunate” with Quartararo’s Breakdown, Zarco Sees Significant Progress

Johann Zarco’s Impressive Performance at the Japanese Grand Prix

In a remarkable display of skill, Johann Zarco recorded his second-best finish of the season during the Grand Prix of Japan in Motegi, clinching an encouraging 11th place. This achievement came just days after he secured a solid 9th place in Indonesia. Despite facing a challenging weekend that included several missteps during the sprint race, the French rider was able to capitalize on the advancements he made with his Honda bike.

Finishing Strong Amidst Challenges

“I’m pleased with the 11th position,” Zarco remarked post-race. “It’s a positive target for us and a decent point haul. What stood out during this race was my lack of mistakes, allowing me to take advantage of others’ errors in the early laps.” He spent most of the race tailing Fabio Quartararo but found it difficult to overtake him. “I felt pretty good behind Fabio. I spent nearly the entire race in his slipstream, but I struggled to go faster since the front tire pressure was a bit high, which made it hard to slow the bike down,” Zarco explained.

Battling Tire Pressure and Strategies

He continued, “There was no way to stay close enough to pass him as we have really different riding styles. What made it challenging was that in order to maintain pace behind him, I had to push harder, causing my tire pressure to rise.” As tire pressure increased, Zarco found himself struggling with braking. “At one point, when it hits a certain pressure, you can’t slow down effectively and it becomes quite taxing,” he noted. Despite these difficulties, he felt satisfied with his position and recognized that he could challenge Miller and Aleix Espargaro, especially as the tires began to wear down. “I knew we were stronger on worn tires than them,” he stated.

Fortune Favors the Brave

As the race progressed, Zarco gained positions due to Maverick Viñales’s crash and a fortunate sequence of events when Quartararo ran out of fuel just before the finish line. “I was quite close to him on the final turn thinking, ‘I might get a better launch or he could slip up,’ as sometimes trying too hard can lead to small mistakes,” he shared. Eventually, Quartararo’s misfortune allowed Zarco to snatch an extra spot. “I was lucky at the end. I almost collided with him but managed to advance,” he explained.

A Bright Outlook for the Season

Feeling pleased with his result, Zarco added, “This remains, let’s say, nearly a top result compared to what we’ve experienced before. Competing with other bikes was also a rewarding experience.” His performance in Japan serves as a silver lining in a season filled with ups and downs. With his newfound momentum, Zarco is optimistic about future races, looking to build on the advancements he has made with the Honda team.