Zarco reunites with Termas de Rio Hondo 

In 2015, during the Argentine GP, Johann Zarco gave us his very first backflip in Moto2. The Frenchman indeed won his first success in the category on the way to his first world title. And it is with a backflip that he celebrates all his victories. He won again the following season, his first victory of 2016 at the end of which he took the crown for the second time. 

In 2018, in MotoGP, while riding the Yamaha YZR-M1 of the Tech3 team, Zarco fought with Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins for the top step of the podium, but he ultimately had to lose by two tenths. “I have good memories from Moto2. It's a fast circuit with long, fast corners and maybe that's why I feel quite comfortable, he explained at a press conference this Thursday. With the Yamaha in MotoGP, I also achieved good results in 2017 and the podium in 2018, almost victory..."

Two years ago, however, for the last meeting to date at Termas de Rio Hondo, it was more difficult for the Habs riding the KTM. He still managed to reach the finish line in 15th place. “In 2019, with the KTM, it was more complicated. Two years without going to Argentina was a long time. Today I feel better on the Ducati and I continue to grow with it. I can still be better to exploit the full potential of the bike. I hope if I can do it here I can get a good result. The podium in Mandalika boosted us, but we have to see, because the program has changed. Saturday will be a long day. We have to be smart and be the fastest to prepare for qualifying. »

Among the challenges to be faced at Termas de Rio Hondo, there is that of grip which is very particular there. “We have to see,” Zarco admitted. When the track is dirty, even if it is difficult, I am able to find the limit. And when the grip gets better, I sometimes have the opposite problem. It's too hard to say before you hit the track. »

See you on Saturday for the first MotoGP free practice session which will be held from 15:35 p.m. (Paris time).