Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco pushed Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) all the way to the line at the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica, only to miss out on victory by 0.251 seconds. The double Moto2™ World Champion has now led parts of the race in his last three Grands Prix, suggesting his maiden premier class win could come sooner rather than later.
Speaking about the race, Zarco admitted Crutchlow deserved the victory. “He (Crutchlow) was maybe a bit more comfortable than all of us, he could wait a bit behind me, from the start to the end I was doing the best I can, so when I could lead two laps from the end, I was again at my maximum,” the 27-year-old explained. “Cal took the lead and I said ‘I can’t give up’ and I try thinking maybe I can get an opportunity, but I was on the limit and didn’t want to do a silly mistake, so he deserved the victory and with me pushing this way, I’m pretty happy with the second place.”
This was Zarco’s third second place finish, with his others coming in 2017 at Le Mans and Valencia, while his third-place finish came in the same year at Sepang. At his home Grand Prix, the Yamaha rider was beaten to the line by Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). Then, after a race long battle with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) in the Final Showdown, he missed out on the top step by 0.337 seconds. Surely then, this year will be his time to spray the champagne from the top step of the podium?
Asked about whether he think that will be soon, the Cannes-born rider had this to say. “I hope so, getting second places many times and having the pace for the podium in these races, I think I will catch a victory when it will be my time.”