5 things to know about Johann Zarco, winner in Australia

Johann Zarco is a Grand Prix winner MotoGP ! The Cannes native won the Australian GP this Saturday, October 21, thus unlocking his account in the premier category in which he debuted in 2017. More than 14 years of career, 2 world champion titles in Moto2, 20 podiums and 8 poles positions in the premier category: Johann Zarco has one of the most complete French records in motorcycle competition. On this occasion, AUTOhebdo invites you to look back at 5 things to know about the current Ducati Pramac rider, in MotoGP.

1) Number 5, a reference to his former manager

Born in Cannes on July 16, 1990, Johann Zarco quickly turned to circuits and motorcycles in his adolescence. In 2004, he left the family home to join Laurent Fellon, who would become his mentor and manager. A former motorcycle racer in the 1980s, Fellon then wore the number 5, which inspired the young Zarco. In his debut in competition in 125cc, which dates back to 2009, the Cannes native started with number 14, before finally being able to choose number 5 in 2011. A number that he will never leave, despite the end of the stormy collaboration between both men in 2019.

2) Zarco, pilot and music lover

If Johann Zarco is a virtuoso on the handlebars, he is also an excellent musician. The Frenchman regularly plays the piano (which he learned self-taught) to a very good level but also plays the guitar. He also doesn't hesitate to sing along, whether with an instrument or even on the MotoGP podiums!

3) A 1000 kilometer road trip to get to a Grand Prix

In 2021, Johann Zarco caused a sensation by going to the MotorLand circuit… by motorbike, from France. A journey of 1000 kilometers over two days, aboard a 1981 Ducati SS Darmah. A motorcycle borrowed from Adrian Parassol, journalist but also driver in the world endurance championship. The Frenchman was accompanied by some members of his team for the occasion and was even joined by Jack Miller on the way.

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ALSO READ > Zarco's journey to MotorLand

4) Zarco, the only double French world champion

Si fabio quartararo became the first Frenchman to become MotoGP world champion in 2021, Johann Zarco had already been crowned a few years earlier. It was in Moto2 and for two consecutive seasons, in 2015 and 2016. He is still currently the only one to have achieved this performance. Impressively consistent during his double coronation, Zarco had even inherited a new nickname: the “Professor”, in reference to Alain Prost, four-time world champion Formula 1.

5) 19 podiums before his first victory

With 19 podiums and 8 pole positions in MotoGP before this Saturday, October 21, Johann Zarco already had a fine track record, but the Cannes native had yet to win a single race in the premier category. He was also the driver with the most podiums without a victory in the history of the category. Since his arrival at Pramac in 2021 after two complicated seasons at KTM then at Avintia, Zarco was often placed to win, but had never found the opening. It's now done, since the Cannes native took advantage of a crazy scenario in Australia and very good tire management to crucify Jorge Martin in the last lap and finally climb to the top of the podium in MotoGP. A success achieved during his seventh season in the premier category, at the age of 33 and for his 120th start.

ALSO READ > Johann Zarco wins the Australian Grand Prix!

Dorian Grangier and Valentin Glo