MotoGP: Zarco edging closer to podium goal

Monster Yamaha rookie Johann Zarco says he’s confident that he’s edging closer towards his target of podium success – and that it couldn’t be happening at a better time as the series makes its European start after three fly-away opening rounds.

The reigning Moto2 world champion has had an incredible start to his rookie season, backing up his six laps in the lead at Qatar with a brace of fifth places in Argentina and America – but says it’s time to start moving forward now.

“The Jerez round marks the beginning of the European races and it certainly will be interesting for us because the first three Grand Prix’s took place at very big and long circuits in Qatar, Argentina and Texas. The Spanish circuit is much shorter and tighter so I am curious to see how I will control the bike at this venue.

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“After the great feeling in Texas and the solid fight to fifth position, I want to keep pushing and get as close as possible to the podium. By the end of the last race, I was not far from the top three so I will keep working hard in order to reach this target.

“In Andalucía, the weather should be clear and hot, but there is always the threat of rain, which we must be wary of. Let’s see what happens with the conditions but I will go to this Grand Prix with an open mind and I will do my best to score a strong result again.”

He’s not the only one in the Tech 3 camp hoping for a strong weekend though, with fellow rookie and teammate Jonas Folger admitting that he’s also expecting a good weekend at one of his favourite circuits.

“Now it’s time to head to Spain, and this is an event that I look forward to because I really like the circuit, plus, it will be good to start racing on European soil again. I have some good memories of the racetrack including last year, where I fought to a podium finish in the Moto2 class. In fact, the Circuito de Jerez is one of my favourite venues and I am excited to jump on my Yamaha and experience its power at the track, which is short, twisting and physical.

“At the last GP in Texas, we struggled a bit throughout the weekend so I want to come back stronger in Spain. I am determined to have a more positive time in Andalucía so the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team and I will work as best as we can in order to set ourselves up for the sprint on Sunday where I will fight for a top finish.”

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