Johann Zarco faced challenges at the Brno MotoGP race as his tyre gamble once again did not pay off, this time due to high temperatures impacting his choice of the soft rear tyre. After qualifying ninth and being the only rider to select the soft rear slick for the race on a hot day, Zarco found his strategy opposed by warmer conditions that caused tyre performance issues.
Zarco’s Unconventional Tyre Decision and Its Impact
For the second consecutive MotoGP weekend, Johann Zarco went against the common tyre trend, a tactic that backfired. Previously at the Sachsenring Sprint, he had opted for a medium wet rear tyre and dropped from the front row to seventh place while competitors on soft tyres pulled ahead. At Brno, he took a different approach by choosing the soft rear tyre in dry conditions, influenced by promising results during the morning warm-up session where a 16-lap-old soft tyre delivered competitive times.
However, the hotter conditions on race day changed the dynamics, limiting Zarco’s ability to maintain pace. Despite his best lap coming on the final lap, Zarco finished the race in 13th place, a result below his expectations given the early promise shown with his choice.
Rider’s Reflections on the Race and Tyre Strategy
Zarco expressed disappointment with how the race unfolded, noting the contrast between the hopeful Saturday and the difficult Sunday. He explained that the team avoided medium rear tyres because they believed the soft tyres would hold up based on prior consumption data, but the heat affected not only the rear but also the front tyre’s performance, making the race increasingly tough after the halfway point.
Tough race. It’s a pity that I could not get a good result after a good Saturday,
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
We didn’t want to go to the medium rear tyre because we believed that the soft can work, because yesterday in the Sprint it looked quite good and the consumption was not high.
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
But just today was very hot and even my front tyre was not working so well, so I could not get the advantage of the rear and after half race it began to be very, very difficult.
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
So it has been a wrong choice and I could not do very well.
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
Season Standing and Upcoming Plans
Despite the underwhelming result at Brno, Zarco remains in eighth place in the MotoGP world championship standings and is currently the only Honda rider within the top 14. This position aligns with his season target of finishing in the top ten, bolstered by notable achievements earlier in the year, including first and second places in France and England.
At least I caught some points, which was the main thing, to conclude the first half of the season, which is quite positive, in eighth position,
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
I’ve also confirmed the top ten goal I announced at the beginning of the year many times, with two exceptional results; the 1st and 2nd places, in France and England.
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
As many riders head into a three-weekend summer break, Zarco’s focus will shift to the endurance racing arena. He is preparing to defend last year’s Suzuka 8 Hours victory with the HRC team in Japan. Following a brief rest in Osaka, Zarco will spend a week competing at Suzuka, with Pramac’s Jack Miller joining the event representing Yamaha.
I will have a four-day break in Osaka and then the week in Suzuka,
— Johann Zarco, LCR Honda rider
Johann Zarco’s ongoing tyre strategies and race experiences illustrate the fine margins in MotoGP, where choices on race day can significantly influence outcomes in a highly competitive championship. His commitment to endurance racing during the break also highlights his versatile approach within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. The unfortunate truth is that entertainment attracts more interest than sports. MotoGP is attempting to profit from this trend but lacks the engaging personalities needed to create dramatic entertainment in its current state.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the only person to win world titles in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1. He showed the same level of talent and courage in both sports.
Q. Did F1 buy MotoGP?
A. Liberty Media, the company that owns Formula 1’s commercial rights, can now finish buying the MotoGP motorcycle championship. This comes after getting full approval from the European Union’s European Commission.
Q. Is MotoGP cheaper than F1?
A. The Ministry of Youth and Sports stated that hosting a Formula One event costs four times more than putting on a MotoGP race. Additionally, MotoGP is less expensive than organizing a Formula E event.
