Zarco, without pressure in Great Britain

Missing from the calendar MotoGP last year due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the Silverstone circuit is hosting this weekend on the 12^e meeting of the 2021 season. And for Johann Zarco, it will be a first on the British track aboard the Ducati. “ I'm happy to be back at Silverstone, it's a nice place to ride, he confided during his press briefing Thursday afternoon. And I think it will be interesting to see how the bike behaves after two years on this track. »

Since the return of Silverstone to the program in 2010, Ducati has only three podiums in MotoGP, including a victory with Andrea Dovizioso, in 2017. But Zarco wants to be reassuring. “ I think we can go pretty quickly. Two years ago the surface was redone, it will be different, but I think we will be able to be faster. Fabio is very fast here, but we also have good references from Dovizioso who has always loved Silverstone. That means the bike works pretty well there. There are plenty of positive things, but we'll want to start as neutrally as possible. »

#TBT Did you know? Ducati have had one premier class win at @SilverstoneUK! It was in 2017 with @AndreaDovizioso. Were you there? #BritishGP 🇬🇧 #ForzaDucati pic.twitter.com/IMrhDnnOz9

- Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) August 26

In Austria, Ducati rider Pramac only scored ten points in total compared to 25 for his compatriot and championship leader fabio quartararo. " I was sad after the crash (at the Austrian GP, ​​editor's note), but after a good analysis, these things happen. We weren't doing anything crazy, but we were a bit at the limit with the front tire. I made a mistake for almost nothing. It was hard to swallow at first, but after a week, you realize that it's part of the job. I always want to progress and I'm close to achieving something pretty good. I know that by unlocking a few small steps, I continue to believe that I can be strong. Ducati and I think the same thing. It may take a little time, but it's a good challenge. »

Zarco does not hide having had a little pressure on his shoulders after returning from the summer break. “ I think unconsciously there was a certain pressure on Austria's attack and that perhaps put a little more stress on me, he confided. In terms of points, it is certain that Fabio has a great advantage, but anything can happen. We must continue to be strong and progress each time to try to become the strongest. »

“I always want to progress and I am close to achieving something pretty good”

« It is currently him (Quartararo, editor's note) who manages to set the rhythm in each session. We have to succeed in doing the same and it will materialize in the race, I will then regain the advantage and then we will see. Everything is going well. We must not forget that this was a wish at the start of the year, but not the objective. Being in front straight away and staying there until the middle of the season, deep down, it can be a source of pressure that can build up and the journalists put it on you too.. "

Zarco has already won at Silverstone, it was in 2015 the year of his first Moto2 title. This year, he could benefit from a “new” circuit to make the difference against his opponents who may be a little less experienced.