Zarco: “Recovery is going well”

On the Wednesday following the San Marino GP, Johann Zarco passed into the hands of Doctor Olivier Dufour in Aix to treat the compartment syndrome from which he suffered in recent weeks. It is a harmless and commonplace intervention for pilots of the MotoGP whose arms are constantly in demand.

Ahead of the GP of the Americas which will be held this weekend on the Austin circuit, the Frenchman is feeling pretty good. “My energy is good,” he confided during his press briefing. Recovery is going well and I'm happy with how things are progressing. But the real test will be when I'm on the bike, but in terms of pain and feeling, it's okay. »

https://twitter.com/pramacracing/status/1440642306223198211

After the surgery, Zarco took anti-inflammatories, but he stopped taking them last Saturday before preparing for Austin. “I arrived a day early,” he said. In this sense, the time difference is going rather well. My body is ready. »

Out of these three MotoGP appearances in Austin, Zarco has a fifth place during his rookie year in 2017 as his best result. “By finishing on the podium, a driver is always happy,” he said of his objectives for the weekend. Finishing in the Top 5 is good and, depending on the conditions, a Top 10 can also be a good result. But beyond that, it's bad. »

The Cannes native has never raced a Ducati in Austin. The Borge Panigale factory has five podiums on the American track, including a second place thanks to Andrea Dovizioso in 2015.

Austin: a new opportunity for Marquez?

Since his arrival in MotoGP in 2013, Marc Marquez has competed in 41 races on circuits that run counter-clockwise. And out of these 41 participations, he won 28 times, or nearly 68.3% success. In Austin in particular, he triumphed on six occasions and only missed victory in 2019 by falling while leading the hostilities with flying colors… and each time after signing pole position. “Comparing Austin to Misano, the approach will be a little different,” said Marquez. I know I enjoy riding on this track and I will try to do the same this year. This season, I suffer more than I enjoy. We'll see how it goes. It's a difficult circuit with lots of direction changes and braking points...but luckily it turns left and that will help. If I have fun on the bike, the results will come. »

Who saw this coming? 🤯

The 7th victory in a row was in reach for @marcmarquez93 in 2019, but it all came tumbling down at turn 12 💥#AmericasGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/RGbqIQSSug

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) September 27, 2021

This year, Marquez has so far driven on two circuits which run counterclockwise: the Sachsenring and MotorLand. He finished on the podium in each of these two races (including a victory in Germany). If we believe the figures… then a Top 3 (at least) is promised to him this weekend in Texas.