Zarco: “I didn’t expect that! »

Once again, qualifying for the Portuguese GP was most unpredictable. There were many competing for pole position, but it was ultimately Johann Zarco who came out on top.

The Frenchman took advantage of a clear final lap to set the best time in 1'42.003 and claim his first pole since the German GP last year. “I am very happy with this afternoon,” confides Zarco who will try to win his first victory in MotoGP Sunday. I didn't expect to take pole position with the slicks in these tricky conditions. Usually with wet tires, I feel comfortable when the track is dry and I manage to have the advantage. But when I have to go over the slicks with the spots still wet, I'm not very fast. »

Although the MotoGP riders had the opportunity to ride in the dry in Q2, it was nevertheless easy to make a mistake by passing through wet areas or biting outside the limits of the circuit. “It was a good thing to be able to analyze Q1, because I think it was the most difficult session for the drivers,” explains the Pramac driver. I was able to clearly see and confirm that we could put on the slicks. We had to stay on the track to gain confidence with each lap. There was Pol (Espargaro)'s fall and therefore a yellow flag, so I attacked on my last lap. I didn't expect it, so I'm even happier. It’s the first of the season… it’s been a while, the Sachsenring was almost a year ago. Having that confidence in the dry, if racing in these conditions tomorrow, will be useful. » 

UNREAL! 🔥@JohannZarco1 TAKES POLE POSITION IN PORTIMAO! 👊#PortugueseGP 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/mXKjMhuP5i

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) April 23, 2022

If for his part, Marc Marquez sees fabio quartararo and Joan Mir among the favorites for victory, Zarco prefers not to comment. “It should be dry tomorrow and we will be able to build on our experience from last October. We have practically the same tires. We will have to see the temperature of the track, if there is the same wind as today. Maybe we'll have some answers in the warm-up. »

Zarco will start from pole position and will have the advantage of having a clear field at first braking. Will he be able to bag his first success in the premier category? In any case, this performance can only help him negotiate for next year. “It’s still too early,” tempers Zarco. I have to prove myself with results, with podiums and try to win. From there, maybe I will have confirmation. But my goal is to stay with Pramac, because the relationship is quite good. And the way I'm growing with Ducati, it would be a shame to lose it next year. »