Johann Zarco suffers clutch problem in Indonesia

While Luca Marini fought for a long time for the podium of the Indonesian Grand Prix of MotoGPJohann Zarco had a more difficult time. Starting 18th on the grid, the Frenchman was able to take advantage of the numerous incidents to move up the order of the day, crossing the finish line in 12th place. However, he never threatened to return to the top 10, even though the gaps between them were small.

Asked about his difficulties at the finish, the Cannes driver pointed to a clutch problem as the cause of his poor start. This is a recurring issue for Honda, having forced Luca Marini to retire a week earlier in Japan.

"At least, it's four points, the Frenchman jokes, referring to the meager reward for his weekend. The start was okay, but my clutch slipped for the first two or three laps. I tried to loosen the clutch, even though, in general, the problem doesn't come from there, but it's a mechanical reflex to say that I'm trying to loosen, to relax the cable, Marini had that in Motegi. By being careful, I lost time, but I tried to see if it could regain grip, and it gradually started to pick up around the fourth lap, and suddenly I had lost time. I tried not to stress too much and to get back into the rhythm, and to do my best, because with what happened on the first lap, I was already in the points.

Johann Zarco heads to Australia

The Frenchman wasn't the only driver to experience tire problems at Mandalika. Others complained of tire overheating issues after each session. But what was most reassuring for Johann Zarco was the fact that even the most recent winner, Pecco Bagnaia, was 15 seconds behind the second-to-last driver in the race, without understanding why.

“Happy to finish, happy to come twelfth thanks to the others’ setbacks, He continues. I'm not panicking because, like Pecco, between what he can do in Motegi and then completely falling through here, I'm telling myself that the following weekend might be better. If things start well, we'll try to keep up the good pace. What Marini did this weekend was clean, so it's possible."

The next event will take place in Australia, on the circuit where Johann Zarco claimed his first MotoGP victory, during the 2023 edition of the event. “What do I expect from Phillip Island? I want to have fun riding. I hope the weather will be nice enough to enjoy the track. Because when it's cold, it's true that the right side is tricky. But yeah, really enjoy it. We had some really good discussions with the team and with Honda last night. So that gave me a lot of motivation. We have a great team.” And to conclude: "So, not a forgotten Grand Prix, but there's no danger in the long run. That's what I can tell myself."

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