Zarco optimistic of a podium for Honda at the MotoGP Argentina GP

LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco has declared podiums as a possibility at the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix this weekend, following an impressive Friday aboard the resurgent Japanese machine.

The 34-year-old again progressed straight to Q2 to add to his similar success at the season-opener in Thailand. Although ultimately a modest achievement, this is a level of performance and consistency that the Japanese manufacturer could only have dreamed about a year ago.

Zarco, who finished the Thai Grand Prix in seventh after qualifying 12th, was in an understandably upbeat mood after the day’s action at Termas de Rio Hondo. 

“I have a good feeling that I can do a very strong qualifying,” said the Frenchman. “Because then it seems we have a very good podium chance in the sprint and in the race on Sunday. Getting a good qualifying will help this opportunity.”

Asked if he was surprised to be thinking about podiums at this point in the season, Zarco replied: “So soon? Yes. [If it happens] here, let’s take it! It would confirm the good feeling from the race in Thailand. 

“Our analysis of the Thailand race has been pretty positive. That’s why getting with the top guys in qualifying would give me the kind of opportunity [Aprilia rookie] Ai Ogura had in Thailand, to be with them and at least have a top five.”

The experienced Zarco, who was twice a winner at this circuit in his Moto2 days, reflected further on a Friday that not even a crash in the middle of practice could spoil. 

Zarco spent much of FP1 at the top of the timesheets, and remained within a fraction of Ducati’s world championship favourite Marc Marquez at the end of the session.

“It was very nice to lead FP1 and to finish [close to] Marc at the end of FP1 was kind of nice,” added Zarco.

“In the afternoon I didn’t have the improvement I expected, but it was good enough to be in Q2. So let’s take another Q2 as good confirmation of good progress.” 

Ducati’s double world champion Francesco Bagnaia remarked yesterday that Zarco had done “incredible things” aboard the Honda.

Works Honda riders Luca Marini and Joan Mir joined Zarco inside the top 10 in FP1, but neither could match the Q2 ticket he booked later in the day. 

Joan Mir, Honda HRC

Photo by: HRC

Mir, who also had a positive weekend in Thailand until a crash in the grand prix dropped him from seventh, was nonetheless just as upbeat as Zarco. 

“Today I had the potential to stay inside the top 10 without many problems,” said the 2020 world champion. “But I couldn’t put it together. 

“Still, I’m a bit relieved in a way, because I wasn’t very convinced about the potential of our bike at this track, and it’s not the best track for me. But for some reason I feel OK. 

“We’re much closer than we expected. We will be able to fight for similar positions as we did at Buriram.”