Zarco: "When I saw that I was third..."

Already in the running in Thailand, Johann Zarco did even better this Saturday in Argentina. Behind the untouchable Márquez brothers, it's the #5 Honda that will be on the front row of the Sprint, at 19 p.m. this Saturday, then of the Grand Prix on Sunday at the same time. The Frenchman was understandably very happy in the Parc Fermé after a performance that we felt was possible after Friday's practice. That said, there's sometimes a world of difference between being able and succeeding...

"I couldn't expect to be in such a good position, but we already had speed on Friday.", he explained on the microphone of MotoGP. "It's so good to be able to confirm it today. On Friday during my time attack I felt like I was missing something, and today in qualifying, the first lap was perfect. I even told my team that it would be difficult to do better, but it wasn't necessary. It was enough!"

Having joined Lucio Cecchinello's team in 2024, Johann Zarco, like the rest of the Honda clan, has had a difficult year. But from the winter tests, it seemed clear that the RC213V was a better package this year than in previous years. Enough to make the Cannes native want a podium finish? Certainly, although he's keeping his feet on the ground, aware of the unexpected side of his performance.

"When I saw I was third... it was crazy! It's great because we've come so far, and if we ever have a chance to get on the podium, we have to seize it."

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