MotoGP, Zarco: “I’m going to have an operation on my arm, I’ll be in Austin on Wednesday”

Johann Zarco was certainly not the star of an exciting weekend in Aragon, but part of these results probably depended on his problem with his arm, which he will soon be able to solve with an operation. Compartment syndrome is unforgiving in MotoGP and now it is the Frenchman’s turn to follow in Fabio Quartararo’s successful footsteps with regard to the operation he had at the start of the season. The same medical team will perform Zarco’s surgery, and he expects to be ready for the Austin race by then.

A real test is needed in Misano so that he can fight for the podium again like in the first half of the season and collect important points in the standings again. Johann knows that well and he also knows that he has the best reference on this track with Ducati, namely Pecco Bagnaia, who is in top form after his success in Spain.

“I generally feel good and it’s great to be back on the track right after the bad race in Aragon.” Zarco said when he met with reporters in front of the family doctor. “I had visits to the doctor on Monday and Tuesday so I could plan an operation for next Wednesday and then go to Austin. I am happy with what we discovered on these visits. I think I can fight this weekend. I’ve got used to this situation by now. If the feeling on the bike is good, I can be quick despite my arm problem and I hope that happens at Misano. Maybe we have bad weather conditions and it will be even better for me. I will be able to do my part without suffering too much and save my strength. I’m being operated on by the same doctors who performed Quartararo’s second arm operation. “

At the end of the race in Aragon you said you hadn’t suffered that much. Has anything changed?
“In Aragon I didn’t have any pain, but I wasn’t fast either. I was too slow in the race and that was the problem. I think it is possible that my body has put itself in a kind of safety mode and I hope it doesn’t do the same here. I’ve suffered in other races and sometimes these problems have even caused me to miss my podium. This makes the decision to have an operation. I have confirmation that this thing is definitely a limit. I had proof of this on my last visits. That’s why I made my decision and I’m happy. Some suggested that I wait for Austin and then get an operation. But these doctors, who are very knowledgeable in the field, told me that I would have no problems and that a week would be enough. On the contrary, they also told me that it would make sense to tighten my arm a little after a week. My body can handle this situation without any problems. Maybe I’ll suffer in Austin, partly because it’s a tough track to brake on, but I’ll hold on. Now I’m just thinking about doing my best here in Misano. “

Did you have a few days to evaluate your Aragon race?
“The race in Aragon is difficult to assess. I didn’t really think about it because I was focusing on the surgical problem. Then I drove to Misano and I didn’t really think much about it. “

This season we’ve seen the riders ups and downs many times. Like you and Oliveira. What do you think that depends on?
“I think these ups and downs are less severe than they seem. In fact, when a rider does badly, he appears to be way further than he is. I think it depends, and that the situation is actually more complex than it actually appears. It’s something that has been happening for two years. It doesn’t take much to land in the back and sometimes you don’t seem to understand where you are. I think the situation between me and Miguel has changed a lot because of his injury in Austria. I don’t think he’s at his best and maybe he’s in pain. “

What did the ride on the Ducati Darmah in Aragon leave you with?
“It was nice to have this experience with the Ducati Darmah. I shared some good feelings with my team, so it was also very interesting for team building. I got a chance to do it and I tried. I had a lot of fun. I think our relationships between me and the team are even better. “

Regarding Austin, there are rumors of protests from some drivers refusing to leave due to problems related to Covid. What do you think?
“I don’t know about anyone’s protests. I have no idea and I hope we can go to Austin. We have to leave next week and I hope to do it. I also hope for myself that I will, because I hope the race will take place regularly. “

What are your goals for Misano?
“We’re going to Misano after Bagnaia’s great win Aragon, and that gives us excellent references as Misano is also one of his favorite tracks. He was strong last year too, so we know we have great potential on this track. A potential that I completely missed at Aragon. It’s good for me to be here and know that I have to push to get the same pace as his, which is what it takes to have a good race. The bikes are very close to each other, so I rule out that one bike has an advantage over the other. But if Ducati can have one, I can certainly use it, that motivates me even more. “