MotoGP: Zarco ready even if ‘weather complicates matters’ at Assen

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 duo of Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger say they’re set for this weekend’s MotoGP action at the TT Circuit Assen, as the championship heads to the Netherlands and a round potentially troubled by the weather for the second year in a row.

But despite rain forecast for Sunday’s race despite warm temperatures and sunny conditions for the remainder of the weekend, rookie Zarco says he feels confident about the weekend’s conditions regardless of what may come.

“Assen is a really impressive circuit, but the weather can complicate matters because it often rains. However, I know that the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team and I will adapt to any situation as best as we can. The Catalunya week, including the test, was a very good experience for me and I want to use the knowledge that we gained to have a more rewarding weekend in the Netherlands.

“I can use this information to manage the practice sessions more effectively so that I can qualify well and then have a stronger chance in the race to get another podium. This is the target and I am excited to get back on the bike and I must say that it’s always fantastic to ride the Yamaha YZR-M1.”

However, fellow rookie on the other side of the French team’s garage Folger admits ahead of the weekend that he’s less looking forward to the kind of unfavourable conditions that allowed Jack Miller to romp to his first MotoGP win at the circuit twelve months ago.

“I’m sure that the Assen circuit is going to be positive for us because the track suits the Yamaha’s style and it is very meandering and flowing. However, I hope that the weather stays clear because, in Assen, it’s always a bit tricky and unpredictable with the rain. Nevertheless, the team and I want to continue in the same way that we did in Barcelona.

“We made a good step, which allowed us to improve and be consistent throughout the weekend. We did some great work there, so we fully intend to prove that we can do the same in the Netherlands to close the weekend with a strong result before we head to my home race.”