Satisfaction reigns at Honda and this is also the case for Johann Zarco who finished 10th on the first day of official testing at Sepang, seven tenths ahead of his former teammate Jorge Martin.
First day: ” I’m happy. Things are going well, we’re following our plan. A bit frustrating until the afternoon, because I was running the “bad” tire to save the others for tomorrow and the next day. When we put on the right tire, We immediately returned to the average and it’s great. When the watch comes, it comes well and we think it’s the beginning of a good evolution. I’m very happy with this! »
Feeling on the bike: “I’m happy. I had trouble tackling corner entries on the Ducati and that became my weakness, whereas now I can do it. This bike gives me the feeling to be more confident and cross the milestone on the entry than the Ducati. . It’s working very well and I know finding that confidence will be a key issue for the season. »
Now a point to complete: “The way the bike accelerates in corners is a little slower. We lack control, the motorcycle slips or goes backwards and something is missing. It was one of Ducati’s strong points… but the cool thing is that the bike isn’t the only weak point. There are areas where I think it is better than the Ducati. The new project is well born… On the old bike with which I did two runs in Valencia, I am not smiling anymore. »
What are the new features (engine, chassis, etc.): “Especially the engine and it tracks well! There has been development and you feel that you are in the first draft of this development. If the Japanese manage to improve all that… it seems they have taken a successful path. »
Integration into the LCR team and exchange with the official team: “Everything is open and it will stay that way. They take care of me so much, it’s great. We had a meeting with all the drivers and we think everyone is united to raise the level as well. »
