Monster Tech 3 Yamaha’s Johann Zarco hopes to continue his stunning form at the start of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship with a podium challenge at his home race this weekend
Zarco has been the class of the rookie and satellite field so far this season, the Frenchman tallying up three top five finishes from the first four races, as well as famously leading the Qatar Grand Prix for six laps before unfortunately crashing.
Having made such a scintillating start to his maiden MotoGP campaign, Zarco is aware that there is added pressure on him now as he heads to the French Grand Prix but feels he is managing it well.
“The French Grand Prix is coming up and, for sure, it will be a very interesting weekend,” said the Frenchman.
“I am excited about racing in my home country, because the beginning of this season has been superb so far. As a result, I think that the French fans are waiting for me and for this event.
“There is some pressure, but I tried to manage it at home, in the week before the GP, where I rested and saved the positive energy.”
Zarco has just one podium to his credit at Le Mans, a third place in his first title-winning year in Moto2 in 2015. Aside from that, the Frenchman has endured a fairly tough time at his home race.
Despite this, he believes the pace he showed at Jerez last time out, where he finished just three second back from the podium, as well as the feeling he had on his Yamaha will carry over to Le Mans and allow him to challenge for a career first premier class rostrum.
“The first three venues that we have visited this year are much bigger than Le Mans, but the Bugatti circuit is small like the Jerez track.
“In addition, I have the advantage of knowing that because I had a good feeling in Spain, I can have a great feeling in France.
“I will fight for the best position and possibly even a top three, because I am always getting closer and closer to the rostrum, which is the main target.
“I aim to have a strong race and then fight for the podium to make the Tech 3 team, myself and all the French fans happy.”
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