Johann Zarco
Has it been quite easy stepping
into this team because of the
French connection? I mean when
you look at it you have a French
team, a French helmet sponsor,
a French leather sponsor, French
tyres etc., it seems like a really
nice fit for you at the moment…
It’s perfect. I didn’t expect joining
a French team to feel quite like
that, but I am enjoying this moment
because it’s better than what I
expected. I am really happy to stay
with the team for next year, we have
already signed that contract. I think
it’s useful because there are so many
technical things to speak about with
the MotoGP bike, and speaking in
my native language makes it easier
to understand all the little details. It’s
true that my helmet and suit are also
French – and have been for years -
so why not bring all things French
to the top in MotoGP and hopefully
reignite the passion in France?
Your profile has certainly grown
this year, not only from your step
to MotoGP but with the surprising
results you have achieved. Do you
have a lot more expected of you by
the mainstream media at home?
Yeah, I need to be in the top
position in MotoGP if I want the
big mainstream media to speak
about me. I expected to have more
recognition for my second world title
in Moto2, but it did not happen. Now
I think with the step to MotoGP they
want to talk about motorbikes again
and that is very important.
You speak good English, is that
something you learnt for racing
specifically or did you learn it at
school?
School and then this work. I’ve been
in the World Championship since
2009, and even if I was working in
an Italian team (and I can speak very
well in Italian), you have to speak
English. I could improve myself in
this way.
“
Valentino has
proved that he
is the best at 38
years old, but even
me, I can show
that at 27 you are
still at a great age
to learn, improve
yourself and also
perform
You have been associated with
Yamaha for a few years, going
back to your training schools. Was
this the long-term plan when you
began that relationship, to one day
step up and ride a MotoGP bike
for them?
It’s a good dream to race a Yamaha
bike in MotoGP. During my Moto2
career I got the chance to ride an R6
and train a lot on that. Then making
the step up to MotoGP on a Yamaha
is perfect because I can stay with the
same school. It works together easily
and it’s a brand that my coach has
loved for a long time, and now it’s my
turn to love it too!
Suzuki didn’t choose you last year,
despite you having a pre-contract
with them. Did you feel bitter at
the time when they chose another
rider over you? Did it frustrate you
being double Moto2 champion but
getting passed over for a guy you
had beaten?
My manager was working on that,
and I trust him. I mean, I knew what
happened but I was not disturbed
by these things. I knew he was u
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