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

LCR Honda rider Johann Zarco has declared podiums as a risk on the MotoGP Argentina Grand Prix this weekend, following a powerful Friday aboard the resurgent Japanese machine.

The 34-year-old once more progressed straight to Q2 so as to add to his related success on the season-opener in Thailand. Though in the end a modest achievement, it is a stage of efficiency and consistency that the Japanese producer might solely have dreamed a few yr in the past.

Zarco, who completed the Thai Grand Prix in seventh after qualifying twelfth, was in an understandably upbeat temper after the day’s motion at Termas de Rio Hondo. 

“I’ve a great feeling that I can do a really robust qualifying,” mentioned the Frenchman. “As a result of then it appears now we have an excellent podium probability within the dash and within the race on Sunday. Getting a great qualifying will assist this chance.”

Requested if he was stunned to be serious about podiums at this level within the season, Zarco replied: “So quickly? Sure. [If it happens] right here, let’s take it! It will affirm the great feeling from the race in Thailand. 

“Our evaluation of the Thailand race has been fairly optimistic. That’s why getting with the highest guys in qualifying would give me the sort of alternative [Aprilia rookie] Ai Ogura had in Thailand, to be with them and no less than have a high 5.”

The skilled Zarco, who was twice a winner at this circuit in his Moto2 days, mirrored additional on a Friday that not even a crash in the midst of follow might spoil. 

Zarco spent a lot of FP1 on the high of the timesheets, and remained inside a fraction of Ducati’s world championship favorite Marc Marquez on the finish of the session.

“It was very good to guide FP1 and to complete [close to] Marc on the finish of FP1 was sort of good,” added Zarco.

“Within the afternoon I didn’t have the advance I anticipated, nevertheless it was adequate to be in Q2. So let’s take one other Q2 nearly as good affirmation of fine 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 highest 10 in FP1, however neither might match the Q2 ticket he booked later within the day. 

Joan Mir, Honda HRC

Picture by: HRC

Mir, who additionally had a optimistic weekend in Thailand till a crash within the grand prix dropped him from seventh, was nonetheless simply as upbeat as Zarco. 

“Right this moment I had the potential to remain inside the highest 10 with out many issues,” mentioned the 2020 world champion. “However I couldn’t put it collectively. 

“Nonetheless, I’m a bit relieved in a method, as a result of I wasn’t very satisfied concerning the potential of our bike at this observe, and it’s not the very best observe for me. However for some purpose I really feel OK. 

“We’re a lot nearer than we anticipated. We will struggle for related positions as we did at Buriram.”