Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) wrote himself into the history books in Saturday’s sensational qualifying session, becoming the first French rider to start on pole, on home soil, since Christian Sarron back in 1988.
This was Zarco’s ninth straight front row start and his second pole of the season, now though, the Tech 3 rider is looking to take that illusive first premier class victory. “Maybe I can expect a victory,” smiled Zarco, speaking after the qualifying session. “I’m happy that always have more chance to think about the victory and today to beat the lap record and to be on pole position is a good sign. In Le Mans, the very positive thing is to make positive steps with the set up on new and used tyres, so I think tomorrow if we have the same conditions, warm, it can be a chance to have the pace and think about the victory.”
The double Moto2™ World Champion has company though, with reigning World Champion Marc Marquez launching from P2 on the grid. The Frenchman knows he’ll have a fight on his hands if he’s to take the win in Sunday’s race. “Marquez is the strong guy at the moment, but we can see at the moment there are so many fast guys,” explained the 27-year-old. “We already know the names of these guys, Marc, Dovi, Iannone is going fast, and also the two Yamahas, the three Yamahas, me and the two factory guys, they are strong. Also, Viñales with a used tyre can have a strong pace and think about the victory tomorrow.”
Zarco was then asked about how special it would be for him to win at Le Mans, the Frenchman hinted there could be a few tears shed if he crosses the line first on Sunday. “I don’t know, I’m already surprised to have big emotions with the pole position, so I don’t want to think (about the race) too much. Tomorrow, in the case of victory, there may be a few tears, we will see.”