Johann Zarco chose to focus on the positive side following a challenging start to the MotoGP season at Buriram, Thailand. The LCR rider struggled to match the early pace of factory Honda riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir but managed to complete the race and secure points despite difficulties.
Race Dynamics and Tyre Challenges at Buriram
In the early laps, Zarco found himself behind Marini and Mir, with the trio’s speeds aligning midway through the race. All riders on Honda’s RCV experienced significant tyre degradation as the event progressed, with Joan Mir suffering the worst and ultimately retiring from fifth place in the closing stages due to the tyre wear.
Zarco believed that starting slower may have been advantageous in finishing the race and gaining points. He explained,
“I’m happy to finish the race and get some points to start the championship,”
emphasizing the importance of securing a steady start in the season.
He added,
“If you don’t finish and have zero points, then the next three weeks are tough, and you get even more pressure for the next GP.”
Zarco completed the race in eleventh place, closely trailing Marini and just behind Ducati competitors Franco Morbidelli and Francesco Bagnaia.
Managing Race Pace and Tyre Wear
Zarco reflected on his pace management, stating,
“I could not stay close to the others, like Marini, at the beginning.”
He maintained a consistent speed while attempting to conserve his tyres throughout the race.
Despite efforts, the tyre drop was severe enough to prevent an attack during the final laps. Zarco shared,
“But maybe the fact that I was a bit slower [at the start] helped me to finish the race, if I take Joan Mir’s case. So it’s a way to see the glass half full.”
Challenges in Adapting to Honda’s New Bike
Zarco acknowledged ongoing difficulties in fully utilizing Honda’s newest MotoGP bike.
“I need to find small things to ride the bike better,”
he admitted. He identified positive elements, describing the bike as
“quite safe and has a good front,”
and noted that mastering lean and turning techniques could improve speed.
However, compared to last season’s Buriram race, Zarco finished lower and further from the winner. He recalled,
“Last year, with a bike that was not as good as now on braking and acceleration, I had better control and a better race.”
He explained,
“This year, I was struggling more with my feelings. Even if we see that the bike performs better, we ended up with a worse result than last year.”
Looking Ahead: Zarco’s Optimism for Future Races
Despite early setbacks, Zarco remains optimistic about progress this season. He expressed confidence in reaching Mir’s level once he adjusts to the new machinery, stating,
“The target is to go up.”
He continued,
“And I really believe that once we unlock the things I need, then we will be in a great place.”
Zarco expects to compete among the top riders soon, noting,
“You can see Joan Mir can be in the top six, so I guess I will be there also.”
Meanwhile, rookie teammate Diogo Moreira completed his MotoGP debut at Buriram, finishing in 13th place, adding promising depth to the team.
