Zarco "was like a rookie" on first day with Honda
Johann Zarco admitted he "was like a rookie" in FP1 at Phillip Island, his first MotoGP session on a Honda, but then had "huge improvements" in the dry FP2.
Zarco's collaboration with the LCR Honda team started with a wet FP1 session, where the Frenchman was able to take 13th.
He said that he didn't take any risks in the session and it was also difficult to comment on the bike in those conditions.
"On the wet was really difficult to give comments, I was like a rookie to restart at 300 kphs," he said.
"Was quite okay because I was very careful, I was in the middle of the classification so this was not bad.
"It was very cold, was a little bit scary but even being scared I was not super slow so this was positive."
In the afternoon, Zarco dropped down to 15th and he admitted that it was tough in the beginning, but then he made "huge improvements" by the time the session ended.
"In the afternoon I got a difficult start and then I understood step by step that there is possibility, but I need to find the confidence.
"From the first till the last one I got huge improvement, it means there are things possible to do, just need to get used to this new limit."
While the Frenchman did not want to compare the Honda to his previous KTM bike, Zarco felt that the RC213V, which is notorious for being one of the toughest machines on the grid, could also work with a different, not so physical riding style.
He also reckons that his first day on the bike was a confirmation that at least top 10s should be possible with the Honda.
"It depends on how you ride. I am not the kind of rider to ride physical, but I think it is possible to manage it just with the confidence, you will save the body.
"It is a confirmation because I do not feel very well because I am missing confidence, and even like this I am not so far from this top 10.
"It will not come immediately but step by step, but the more confidence will come, the easier the work will be."
Additional reporting by Oriol Puigdemont
Previous article
Quartararo “lucky” not to break anything in FP1 crash
Next article
Marquez almost 'gave up' saving test crash
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Event | Australian GP |
| Sub-event | FP2 |
| Author | David Gruz |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
