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The cheered Tech3 duo goes east to the Motegi showdown
Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger want to kick off the Triple Flyaway Grand Prix positively by achieving two remarkable results this weekend in Japan. Johann Zarco intends to build on his sixth place in the championship by finishing Yamaha’s home Grand Prix in the top five. While Jonas Folger is determined to get back in shape and win the top independent title in the 24-lap sprint on Sunday. FP1 starts this Friday at 9:55 a.m. local time or 3:55 a.m. in Central Europe on the Twin Ring Motegi.
Johann Zarco
Championship: 6th – points: 117
“The Motegi event is approaching and I feel good after spending two positive weeks at home where I gathered the energy I need for the Japanese GP. It’s a track I like and the corners are nice, plus there are some hard braking areas. I have fond memories of Motegi because I won my first race in the 125cc class there and also won the Moto2 World Championship in 2015. I think I can be quick with the Yamaha on this track, but the team and I have to work well. I think we will start on a solid basis because we have a lot of references from the works team. Then I want to give my maximum and very much hope that I can stay in the top group. I would like to compete in the top 5 and why not get on the podium? It would be great to do this in Japan. “
Jonas Folger
Championship: 10th – Points: 84
“The Japanese Grand Prix is an important event because it is Yamaha’s home game and also for many of the people on our team. The overseas races are always special because we spend a lot of time together during the three or four weeks. We’re all getting closer, which means we enjoy the weekends more. I’m looking forward to Japan and of course the goal is to regain the pace I had until the middle of the season. I’m sure we can solve the problems and build the confidence to get into the positions we want to be. I am optimistic and looking forward to this weekend and I am sure that we can achieve the goal that we have set for ourselves. ”
Hervé PONCHARAL
Team manager
“The next lap for us is the Japanese Grand Prix on the Motegi circuit. It is always a special event and takes place in a remote but very picturesque and lovely landscape. It is a great pleasure to race there and the facilities are fantastic. Tech3 has been a Yamaha team for nearly 20 years so going to our manufacturer’s home GP means a lot. We have many friends within the Yamaha group who have been with us in the past and support our team and our riders at every race. So, as always, we’re excited to see so many friends from the factory and other places. The fans are really special and they often come with unique outfits to show their support! Plus, the people are very nice and polite while they wait for the drivers in the paddock. The track is a track that our two boys really like, but especially Johann. He celebrated his first Grand Prix victory in the 125cc class in Motegi. We are thrilled and have Sakura and many other Japanese partners working with us, which makes this round even more special. Additionally, this race is the first in the triple overseas events, and after that it’s off to Australia and Malaysia so doing well in Japan and building some energy for the following two is important. Three in a row, with a fairly long drive in between, means we all use a lot of energy. It’s a very tough but exciting journey so let’s start in Japan and hope we can get two great results to please the Monster Yamaha Tech3 fans who are great and always great to support us. “
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