Breaking news
MotoGP French GP
Zarco: Le Mans pole possible if not for Q1 strategy error
KTM MotoGP rider Johann Zarco claimed that he could have been in the mix for pole position in the qualifying session at Le Mans if not for a mistake in strategy in Q1.
David Gruz Léna Buffa
Edited: May 18, 2019, 5:07 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
In mixed conditions, Zarco started the first part of qualifying on wet tyres but, like many of his rivals, he pitted for slicks when he saw Valentino Rossi's tyre gamble had begun to pay off.
But then track conditions worsened after that, and Zarco rushed into the pits to go back out on wets, yet had no time left in the session to challenge for a Q2 berth, settling for fourth.
Zarco, who was a promising fifth in the wet FP3 session, will still have his best starting position since joining KTM in 14th, but he felt that he could have been not far from the pole position fight.
"It was a shame, after a long time struggling, [in] conditions that usually I can feel good, was good to play almost the pole position I think today," said Zarco. "I missed the Q2, I was really on fire inside."
"Sad, disappointed and angry immediately after Q1 because we missed the strategy. Not about the slick tyres, for sure what Valentino did was very clever, but even with the rain tyres I felt that I can go faster.
"But when I went into the box I left with the slick, I came back in then it was too late do something."
When pressed on whether he felt he would've had a shot at pole in Q2, Zarco said: "Yes, I say it because is tricky condition and I have the experience from the Moto2 and also MotoGP. When is not full rain and not dry enough for slick. I can go pretty fast.
"Just in Q1 on the first tyre I did not do everything perfect but I was quite competitive. With second rain tyre I knew it was possible to do at least qualifying in Q2 - and then, finally the laptimes we were doing [in Q1], they were also competitive for pole position [in Q2].
"Don't forget that the target is to be on top and when we have a day something is possible, you must trust and have this target."
Zarco added that in mixed conditions he was able to feel some strong points with the RC16 bike for the first time.
"It is also first time since the beginning I am on the KTM that I feel some strong point on the bike.
"This give me a smile and back good motivation to feel that what we do, it is working. 14th tomorrow and the best for the race."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Le Mans MotoGP: Marquez secures pole despite crashing
Next article Crutchlow: "Stupid rule" deciding Q2 spots not liked by riders
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
David Gruz
Honda reveals 2020 World Superbike challenger
World Superbike
World Superbike
Honda reveals 2020 World Superbike challenger
Redding: Bautista cost himself 2019 WSBK crown
World Superbike
World Superbike
Redding: Bautista cost himself 2019 WSBK crown
Espargaro: Aprilia showed podium pace at Sepang
MotoGP
MotoGP
Sepang February testing
Espargaro: Aprilia showed podium pace at Sepang
More from
Johann Zarco
Johann Zarco says “I didn’t want to break the engine” after Malaysian GP DNF
MotoGP
MotoGP
Malaysian GP
Johann Zarco says “I didn’t want to break the engine” after Malaysian GP DNF
Johann Zarco retires from Australian GP sprint: It was “dangerous” to continue
MotoGP
MotoGP
Australian GP
Johann Zarco retires from Australian GP sprint: It was “dangerous” to continue
MotoGP 2027 grid: All confirmed rider signings
MotoGP
MotoGP
MotoGP 2027 grid: All confirmed rider signings
More from
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Pedro Acosta signs Monster as personal sponsor
MotoGP
MotoGP
Qatar GP
Pedro Acosta signs Monster as personal sponsor
Alex Marquez undergoes surgery on his right shoulder and begins recovery at home
MotoGP
MotoGP
Qatar GP
Alex Marquez undergoes surgery on his right shoulder and begins recovery at home
Latest news
Kyle Larson wins 2026 NASCAR Cup championship with Stage 1 clinch at Homestead
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
Kyle Larson wins 2026 NASCAR Cup championship with Stage 1 clinch at Homestead
Kimi Antonelli: "Weird" spin and car instability cost F1 Brazilian GP win
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
28 min
Kimi Antonelli: "Weird" spin and car instability cost F1 Brazilian GP win
Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc summoned to stewards after F1 Brazilian GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
1 h
Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc summoned to stewards after F1 Brazilian GP
Jorge Martin will be "almost 100% fit" in Portugal as heroic Qatar display keeps title hopes alive
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
1 h
Jorge Martin will be "almost 100% fit" in Portugal as heroic Qatar display keeps title hopes alive
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe