Johann Zarco Reveals Reasons Behind Big Gap To Teammate Martin
Categories: MotoGP
While Jorge Martin celebrated multiple wins in 2023, the situation on the opposite side of the box has been notably different. Johann Zarco explains the reasons.
Johann Zarco found contentment in his 10th-place finish at the San Marino Grand Prix despite the challenges he encountered.
Although winning the Moto2 race in Misano back in 2015, Zarco had yet to secure a position higher than his 5th-place finish at the 2021 Emilia-Romagna GP.
In contrast to his Pramac Ducati teammate Jorge Martin, who dominated both races from the pole position the previous weekend, this year’s San Marino GP posed significant difficulties for the seasoned French rider, starting from 16th place, finishing 14th in the sprint race, and ultimately settling for 10th place on Sunday.
However, Zarco expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I’m happy with this 10th place; it’s six points for the championship, which is important to me.”
“I still want to move forward in the championship. I couldn’t expect miracles from 16th on the grid. It was quite tough. I’m glad I could make it to the top 10.”
He stressed, “Clearly, at the start of the race, it was very difficult for me to match the pace. In the last third of the race, though, I found a good speed, which was great.”
Zarco reiterated, “The Misano track is quite challenging for me. Things aren’t working as they should. Getting a tenth place in a tougher moment is acceptable.”
“I can’t really say what the issue is. It’s not logically clear what I need from the motorcycle or what I feel. So, I’m trying to understand what the others feel, but even if I understand how they work, it doesn’t work for me.”
“Everyone says that the Misano track offers a lot of grip. To be honest, I don’t feel it,” the 33-year-old from Cannes emphasized.
“That means my perception of things is very different from most riders. I’ve been struggling in Misano since last year. So, I tried to work on feeling this grip, but it affected the balance of the bike a bit.”
"Not Finding Path Where Everything Works"
Regarding what sets Jorge Martin apart or makes him excel, Zarco explained, “Martin has had the speed since the Malaysia test. He found the feeling on the Ducati right from the start.”
“In 2022, he had a bit more trouble, but he returned to what works for him. What makes it difficult for me in comparison is that I don’t always have that foundation that I know works.”
“I know more or less what works for me, but because I haven’t won yet, I want to find other solutions. It’s very interesting. I’m not losing my way, but clearly, I’m not finding the path where everything works as it did for Jorge.”
“I know what it’s like to ride like that and break the all-time lap record in that way – that’s the moment when it’s almost the easiest. But I’m not there yet.”
Zarco firmly ruled out surrendering as he embarks on his Ducati farewell tour before transitioning to Honda. He stated, “I’m waiting for better days with the overseas GPs and will try to get more podium finishes there,” as he looked ahead. The initial stop on the demanding Asia tour is the inaugural Indian GP scheduled from September 22 to 24.
