We had to be patient and wait seven years. But Johann Zarco, 33, finally won his first MotoGP race this Saturday, on the Phillip Island circuit, in Australia. After the finish, the Frenchman did not hide his emotion.
“The feeling is incredible. After so many races, finally winning gives me so many emotions. I’m still having trouble realizing it. Many times I had the possibility of winning in my career but other drivers managed to beat me at that time so I started to think sometimes that I would never make it, even if the hope of winning was always there . I always told myself that my driving style could make the difference at some point. But tire management is not easy for me and often I am not relaxed and confident enough in the race… So it’s a great feeling”, testifies the driver who has taken places of honor since the start of the race. his career in MotoGP (19 podiums before this Saturday).
“Winning here means that we are one of the great drivers”
Fifth on the grid, the Cannes native had a spectacular race, snatching first place from his teammate Jorge Martin on the last lap. “I had a good start and had to fight a lot. When I was behind Pecco (Bagnaia), I held on to stay in contact. When I saw Jorge (Martin) escape, I told myself that it would be difficult to win but that I could at least aim for the podium. »
“In the last five laps, when Jorge was losing a lot of time, I told myself that maybe I could achieve something big. I told myself that I had to be in contact with Jorge in the last two laps to try to pass. When I saw that I could get back on Jorge, I started to overtake the others in front of me and I performed the maneuver at the right time to pass in front. I remained very calm even when I took the lead of the race and after crossing the line I didn’t shout, I just said to myself ‘that’s it, you’ve done it'”, analyzes the winner of the race.
Especially since the Australian circuit is one of the Pramac-Ducati rider’s favorites. “I’m so happy to win, especially here because I love this circuit… Everyone loves the Phillip Island circuit because the races are spectacular so winning here means you’re one of the great drivers. It’s fantastic to win, but here it brings a little something extra. At the end of the race, a lot of drivers congratulated me and I could see in their eyes that they were really happy for me so it’s very moving. »
