Rookie of the Year and top Independent Team rider Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) starts the Valencia GP from second, and thinks he could find the pace to fight for the win on Sunday. It would be a maiden victory following two podiums for the two-time intermediate class Champion – but he’s aware he has some serious company.
“I’m not going into the race thinking I have nothing to lose, but thinking we’ve done good work since Friday and we’ve improved,” says the Frenchman. “It means what we’ve been doing in Japan, Australia and Malaysia is still paying off. I’ve tried to learn from that, I’m so happy to start from second tomorrow, it’s so important. And all weekend Iannone has been strong, Jorge will be there – and these are the two guys who want to win and want to fight. Lorenzo also starts strong, they are fighters on the track and I’ll be part of it.”
The key, says Zarco, will be to get a good start – with Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) focus likely elsewhere.
“Losing positions at the start would be more difficult,” he affirms. “I think Marquez will maybe control the race for the title, but me, if I have the pace…I’m still missing some tenths but if I can find it for tomorrow, why not think about the victory.”
Lights go out at 14:00 (GMT +1).