Johann Zarco showed impressive pace during qualifying at the German MotoGP, challenging Marc Marquez for pole position and securing second on the grid. Following his strategy in qualifying, Zarco opted for a medium rear tyre rather than the soft compound favored by many competitors, aiming to gain an edge in the Sprint race based on the evolving track conditions. This choice was bold given Zarco’s reputation for unconventional tyre decisions.
Medium Tyre Strategy Fails to Deliver in Sprint Race
Despite the medium tyre working well in qualifying, Zarco’s plan did not pay off in the Sprint race. Although the track had less standing water compared to earlier sessions, the medium tyre struggled to reach optimal temperature. Zarco’s initial drop from second to tenth place on the first lap set a difficult tone for his race.
As the laps progressed, Zarco began to regain speed, but the lost ground meant he finished seventh, missing the opportunity for a podium or victory. He reflected on the tyre’s performance, saying,
“I was convinced that with less rain than in qualifying, the medium tyre would work better, but that wasn’t the case; it couldn’t get up to temperature,”
Zarco explained.
He expressed his frustration, stating,
“I’m frustrated because I had a real shot at the podium, maybe even the win, in these conditions.”
In-Depth Perspective on Tyre Choice and Race Conditions
Zarco defended his tyre decision, pointing out that he was the only rider able to manage the medium rear effectively during qualifying. The conditions during the Sprint race, which were dry compared to qualifying’s wetter track, appeared to favor the medium compound logically. However, the tyre’s inability to heat up hampered his performance.
He described his expectations and disappointment:
“I didn’t take a big risk going to the medium rear tyre. I knew it would be tricky for the first two laps but then I’d have 13 laps to get the advantage. But it didn’t work.”
Zarco also shared his efforts to overcome the issue:
“I cannot understand why it didn’t work. I wanted to fight but I could not. I tried to do everything on the bike to bring the temperature on the rear tyre.”
Despite scoring points, he acknowledged the lost potential, saying,
“I got some points. It’s anyway better than zero. But a big chance of a podium or a victory was definitely missed.”
Sunday Warm-Up Offers Hope for Race Day
Zarco showed signs of recovery in the warm-up session on Sunday morning, again choosing the medium rear tyre and recording the second-fastest time behind Marc Marquez. He emphasized that race conditions will heavily influence his prospects, noting that dry conditions decrease his chances for a podium, while wet conditions boost them significantly.
The rider stated,
“The warm-up was good. I like these tricky conditions. I’ll try to take advantage from starting second.”
Reflecting on Past Victory and Championship Position
Looking back at his memorable victory at Le Mans in similar conditions, Zarco shared how special the achievement still feels to him. He said,
“I try not to think too much about it because it was so incredible, you wonder if it really happened! It was my first victory with Honda, and I hope I will have others…”
Currently, Zarco holds seventh place in the world championship standings and remains the top Honda rider in the competition. His performances continue to draw attention as he aims to convert strong qualifying efforts into better race results moving forward.
