Following two solid weekends at Motegi and Mandalika, Johann Zarco is optimistic the Australian Grand Prix weekend could be a big and important step for Honda.
The Phillip Island Circuit, with its “long flowing corners” and only a few “accelerations with wheelie problems”, offers an opportunity for Honda to close the gap to their rivals – a task Zarco believes is within reach.
“Let’s see how we can perform this weekend. With these long corners, I hope we can have the chance to get closer to the others,” Zarco explained in Thursday’s press conference.
The Frenchman, fresh off two encouraging weekends, emphasized the momentum built in recent GPs, particularly in Japan, where a slow Friday turned into an intriguing double-header of races.
“Clearly, the last two GPs gave a good boost to me and the team. Even in Japan, where Friday didn’t start so well, and then the two races we had were interesting.”
Phillip Island’s track characteristics might just play into Honda’s hands. “It seems it’s not a track where there are accelerations with wheelie problems. So, I hope we can then lose less time compared to the others, and if this theory is working then it means the step forward at Misano will be confirmed here.”
As Zarco and the team search for the right direction in development, Honda’s incremental improvements have reshaped their targets for the rest of the season. “I’m confident,” Zarco said, reflecting on how expectations have evolved throughout 2023.
“When I was saying at the beginning of the year that the Top 10 was possible to reach, then during the season I clearly said, ‘Ok, we need to forget this kind of target’. And now we have the chance to target the top 10 again. This is a good motivation.”
The Frenchman remains confident in Honda’s work ethic, praising the factory’s new-found methodical approach.
“The Japanese have a way to work that is very impressive. So, clearly the work is not something we have to doubt. Then we need to understand what direction to go, and it seems like the last steps we did was a breath that ‘it might work’.”
