Zarco “missing something” to claim maiden win in MotoGP
Pramac’s Johann Zarco says he is not pressuring himself to win in MotoGP right now but admits “something is missing” in his quest to secure his maiden victory.
The Ducati rider has scored four podiums so far in 2021 and all of them have been second-places, with his latest coming in last weekend’s Catalan Grand Prix when he narrowly missed the win to KTM’s Miguel Oliveira.
Now five years into his MotoGP career, Zarco is overdue a victory having come close on a number of occasions.
Zarco – now 14 points off the championship lead – is convinced the win will come in time, but admits the most important thing for him is to continue scoring strong points against standings leader Fabio Quartararo.
“For me [it] will be nice to win but clearly second place, 20 points is always amazing for me,” he said.
“So, I’m not too worried for the victory and don’t put too much pressure on myself because I believe it can come when everything will be even better in control.
“But I’m still growing up on the bike and this is a nice feeling.
“I feel the Ducati has huge potential, I’m trying to do my best to use it every time better and better, and when all the situations are under good control maybe I will have the victory.”
Johann Zarco, Pramac Racing
Photo by: MotoGP
When asked by Autosport if his approach was inspired by Joan Mir’s title-winning 2020 season, Zarco added: “Joan Mir from last year is a great example for this kind of strategy, but this is not the strategy we have at the beginning of the weekend.
“We've really tried to do our best to be able to win, but I still see that something is missing.
“Like here, say maybe half a lap more or one lap more I could win, but 24 laps were enough for all of us.
“Just I had to be a bit faster at the beginning, which I didn’t do.
“So, if this can give me the advantage at the end of the year I will be the first one happy.
“But clearly we have to be careful with Fabio, he was so fast this weekend and without this problem I think he was maybe waiting behind Miguel to attack him but he got the problem.
“So, we got the advantage. So, the most important thing is to get points on him more than the victory at the moment.”
Related video
Why Quartararo’s Catalunya suit penalty highlights a wider issue in MotoGP
Brembo developing bigger MotoGP brake discs after Barcelona test
Bagnaia grateful for British GP advice from MotoGP legends Rossi, Stoner
Silverstone race winner Francesco Bagnaia says he asked MotoGP legends Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner for advice after struggling in practice for the British Grand Prix.
Quartararo “disappointed” to “not lose more” with Silverstone MotoGP penalty
Fabio Quartararo says he is disappointed with his race because he thought he’d “lose more” with his MotoGP British Grand Prix penalty than he did, but could only finish eighth.
Espargaro FP4 crash pain 'no excuse' for Silverstone MotoGP struggles
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro says the pain he felt from his 115mph crash in MotoGP practice for the British Grand Prix is “not an excuse” for his difficult Silverstone race.
Backtracking on tyre gamble led to Zarco’s “hero or zero” Silverstone MotoGP crash
Pramac’s Johann Zarco's decision to change to a medium front tyre before the start of the MotoGP British Grand Prix led to his “hero or zero” crash from the lead.
Why Marquez’s toughest MotoGP foe is stopping at the right time
On the eve of the British Grand Prix, Andrea Dovizioso announced that he will be retiring from MotoGP after September’s San Marino GP. The timing of his departure raised eyebrows, but his reasoning remains sensible and what has happened this year should not diminish a hard-built legacy
Why a Suzuki refugee feels he deserves MotoGP's toughest challenge
Alex Rins’ MotoGP future was plunged into sudden doubt when Suzuki elected to quit the series at the end of 2022. Securing a deal with Honda to join LCR, he will now tread a path that many have fallen off from. But it was a move he felt his status deserved, and it’s a challenge – he tells Autosport - he faces with his eyes wide open…
How Formula 1 has driven MotoGP's changing nature
The hiring of technicians from Formula 1 has clearly contributed to a recent change in the MotoGP landscape, with the role of engineers gaining greater significance relative to the riders. Here's how this shift has come about
The revolution behind Aprilia's rise from MotoGP tail-ender to pack-leader
Coinciding with the arrival of Massimo Rivola as head of its MotoGP division, Aprilia has undergone an internal revolution that has spurred it from occupying last place in the team standings to leading the table in the space of just two years. Those entrenched in the project reveal how the ex-Ferrari F1 chief has achieved the dramatic turnaround
The battle Yamaha's wayward son is fighting to be fast again in MotoGP
Franco Morbidelli was long overdue a promotion to factory machinery when it finally came late last year, having finished runner-up in the 2020 standings on an old Yamaha package. But since then the Italian has been a shadow of his former self as he toils to adapt to the 2022 M1, and recognises that he needs to change his style to be quick on it
Why Honda and Yamaha have been left behind in MotoGP's new era
The once all-conquering Japanese manufacturers are going through a difficult period in MotoGP this season. With Suzuki quitting, Honda struggling to get near the podium and Yamaha only enjoying success courtesy of Fabio Quartararo, Japanese manufacturers have been left in the dust by their European counterparts. Key paddock figures explain why.
Who is Valentino Rossi’s newest MotoGP star?
Valentino Rossi’s protégés stole the show at Assen as Francesco Bagnaia stormed to victory to arrest a recent barren run. But it was the rider in second, on Bagnaia’s old bike, who had all eyes on him. Securing his and the VR46 team’s first MotoGP podium, Marco Bezzecchi has all the characteristics that made his mentor special
How Quartararo is evoking an absent MotoGP great in 2022
OPINION: Fabio Quartararo has seized control of the 2022 MotoGP world standings after another dominant victory as his nearest rivals faltered. And he is very much heading towards a second championship echoing how the dominator of the last decade achieved much of his success