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Not even he would have bet on finishing on the podium, since Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Dovizioso had dug a trench. Instead, the smash-up between the Ducati riders and the Honda rider served up second place to Johann Zarco on a silver platter. The Frenchman holds the Yamaha banner high in Spain, proving to be the fastest M1 rider on a day where Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales floundered, forced to reckon with electronics and grip problems.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when all three ended up in the gravel – the Frenchman said about the crash involving Dovi, Lorenzo and Pedrosa – Initially I only saw the Honda, but then I saw the two Ducatis too. At that moment I knew that I had a good gap ahead of those behind me, so I stayed focused and finished second.”
Johann then focused on the race, where his M1 outshone the factory rides.
“Lorenzo was very good in the initial phases of the race – he recalled – He had a great pace. I wanted to stay close to Dani, but I didn’t manage to. Among other things, when I went long I lost a lot of ground and I couldn’t do anything more than follow. In any case, I am happy because I tried to be consistent and then I took advantage of the chance.”
Thanks to this performance, Zarco leaves Spain lying second in the overall standings, twelve points behind Marquez.
“I was able to be competitive throughout the weekend and I am happy – he stated – Then, being second in the championship is much more than we could have imagined at the season start. It is like a dream.”
Now his home race in Le Mans awaits the Tech3 rider.
“In France, I’ll be racing in front of my home crowd and I’ll have even more support from the fans – he warned – The track is a good fit for the characteristics of the M1, so I am dreaming of a win.”
