Podium in sight for Zarco at Red Bull Ring

Even if Johann Zarco is still his compatriot's closest opponent fabio quartararo overall, he has not been on the podium since the Catalan GP last June.

After finishing sixth last Sunday at Red Bull Ring, the Ducati rider has a new opportunity this Sunday to regain points in the standings. “ Finishing on the podium is the most important thing, Zarco has set himself a goal. If there is a way to play for victory like Jorge (Martin, editor's note) last week, then why not. "

And precisely, compared to the Styrian GP at the end of which he admitted to being still stuck on the handlebars of his GP21, this time, he seems to have put his finger on the little something extra to make the difference. “I will try to work on my ease to better manage the braking phases and possibly overtake, did he declare. It will also be about better exploiting my power. When I take the brakes, especially against Fabio, I will try to take the advantage. But he had a great qualifying, he increased his confidence, so I think he found something more on his bike to perform well. He will be very strong tomorrow. "

Picture perfect so far for @JohannZarco1! 💯

Leading the session in style! 💥#MotoGP | #AustrianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/kWFmQAZjjZ

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 14

Zarco is also counting on the strike force of the Ducatis to do well. And with four Ducatis on the first two rows (just like last week), he is convinced of having a big chance to play. “ My advantage against Fabio is that he will have three Ducatis around him, Zarco pointed out. Jack (Miller, editor's note) is not far away... so it's a bit the same as last week. There is also Mir or Marquez who can be a danger… but against Fabio there will be a way to play the Ducati card and I hope to succeed in scoring big points. For the moment, on paper, we are managing our weekend better. »

Regarding the title race, the double Moto2 world champion is not putting any particular pressure on himself. “ Maybe that was the case last weekend, but I'm starting to let go of that pressure, he replied. There was the resumption after five weeks of break. There, I feel like I'm getting back into the real rhythm of a racing driver and I'm more comfortable. That alone is already a lot. Afterwards, if Fabio is better, good for him, but I manage to have fun even in this situation. »

“If there is a way to play for victory like Jorge did last week, then why not”

And regarding the rest of the season on circuits which could potentially be less successful for Ducati, Zarco added: “ I don't think the other circuits will be to our disadvantage. There will be a way to play your card. The season is still long... We don't know what the calendar will be like, but there is a way to perform everywhere, because our bike is solid. "

Of the seven MotoGP races contested since the introduction of the Red Bull Ring to the calendar in 2016, Ducati has claimed six victories. It is also the most prolific circuit for the Bologna factory in the premier category. The figures are therefore clearly to the advantage of its representatives…