Zarco sets pace on home soil
HOME hero Johann Zarco led a French one-two as he beat Fabio Quartararo to the opening day spoils ahead of tomorrow’s MotoGP of France.
After a damp first practice, yesterday afternoon became a fierce scrap with riders desperate to bank an early fast lap amid fears of a wash-out at Le Mans today.
And the Pramac Ducati rider had the edge on his Monster Energy Yamaha compatriot as he secured a best lap before the flag.
Zarco said: “It was the only dry session maybe of the weekend so it was important to understand everything quickly and be fast because we may have to go straight to qualifying two. It worked well and I’m
pretty happy. In the morning it was great to get confidence even on the wet tyres, it was perfect.”
Zarco’s hot lap came after a dramatic day at the French track, with several riders including last round winner Jack Miller, reigning champion Joan Mir and Quartararo crashing out.
Quartararo, who last week had surgery to fix the arm pump which cost him the race win and title lead at Jerez a fortnight ago, ended the day second overall, just ahead of teammate Maverick Vinales.
“It’s still a little bit weird, the feeling of still having the stitches inside. The arm was a little painful but the feeling was great,” he said.
Meanwhile, race chiefs yesterday axed July’s inaugural Finnish GP due to ongoing Covid restrictions, replacing it with a second round at the Red Bull Ring in Austria in August.