On a more difficult than expected opening day, when most of the drivers of the Borgo Panigale team only managed to get into the top ten in the last moments of FP2, Johann Zarco held up the “red flag” today. Already very competitive in the morning, the Frenchman achieved the best performance with 1’39’235 on the 4,657 meter long Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya at the end of the second free practice session. In addition to defeating the Yamahas of Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo, he was aware that he was by far the best Desmosedici of the group.
“I am happy to be at the top,” he began. “I suffer less than on the weekends before. I had a great feeling on the bike from FP1 and was quick on both laps. In the final minutes of FP2, I followed Quartararo for two laps in a row. It helped me a lot to get this reference, but I think it would have been possible if I had been alone. At the same time, I was able to understand the areas where we need to improve from a development point of view.”
After the contract extension, the driver of the Pramac Racing Team made full use of the driving force of his compatriot and was thus able to complete two thirds of the virtual front row.
“It was a coincidence. We both left the pit lane within seconds. There are two French drivers in the top three. We’re doing better here than at Le Mans, ”he joked. “If these numbers are confirmed, I would like to see a lot of local fans in the stands on Sunday.”
Ironically aside, the strange conditions of the Catalan track seem to make things easier for the two-time Moto2 world champion. However, today’s choice of Michelin tires held the stage. A real puzzle so far.
“It was very hot today, and the track doesn’t have a lot of grip. Compared to before, I can use the front more. We have not tested the entire range of tires available to us. This morning and early afternoon I mainly used the medium while testing the soft on the rear for only two laps, although it might be a valid option for the race. Nonetheless, some have managed to get decent times with the tough times, so we have some work to do on this tomorrow,” he concluded.