After starting the MotoGP season with a 12th place in the Portuguese Grand Prix, Johann Zarco is now eagerly anticipating the upcoming race in Portugal. He aims to compete for a top-ten finish and secure a spot within the top twelve during qualifying.
The LCR Honda rider, filled with anticipation for the upcoming Portuguese race, shared his thoughts with enthusiasm. He mentioned the absence of wet conditions, except for the current day’s rain, and forecasted a strong weekend ahead. Reflecting on Marc Márquez’s impressive performance last year, he highlighted the positive feedback received from Honda’s staff about the bike’s competitiveness at this circuit.
Expressing curiosity about his own potential at the track, he noted that Qatar wasn’t the most favorable for competitiveness or aiming for a top-ten finish. However, he emphasized that the gap isn’t insurmountable, indicating hopes of contending for a Q2 spot and fighting for a top-ten position in Portugal. To achieve this would be, in his words, “amazing.”
He emphasized the importance of improving and mentioned his confidence in riding the bike well. He anticipated a good match with the feeling he remembers from his time with Ducati, hoping this race would provide insights into any differences. His ultimate goal is to enhance his competitive edge and speed, building on his performance in Qatar.
In essence, he eagerly awaits the opportunity to showcase his skills and push for a stronger finish in Portugal, aiming to capitalize on the circuit’s reputed competitiveness with Honda machinery.
When asked about his adaptation to the Honda at this stage, Zarco acknowledged that there is still room for improvement. He explained, “It’s hard to say, but we’re not quite at 100% yet. Like in Qatar, if I could use the full 100% or even improve a bit, maybe I could have finished tenth; it wasn’t enough to be in the top five because the whole package isn’t ready to consistently lap in the low 1m53s like in Qatar. But that’s normal.”
Zarco noted that the gap is less than one second, perhaps around six or seven tenths, indicating that a mere improvement of three tenths could put them on target. He expressed optimism, saying, “So that’s how I see things, and I don’t think it’s a bad position to be in.”
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