MotoGP Misano: Zarco in need of ‘confidence for extra step’

Johann Zarco’s Prima Pramac MotoGP journey continues in 2023 after the Frenchman reaffirmed his commitment to the Satellite Ducati squad.

Speaking at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli ahead of the San Marino Grand Prix, Zarco was pleased to have his future secure with the Bologna manufacturer, even if his name was never in the running for the factory seat. “Clearly it was just the time to wait so everything can be confirmed in Ducati,” the 32-year-old said from the Italian paddock. “To continue with Pramac is very important to me because it’s the factory bike in Pramac for many years so it’s a chance to have the best material and good work to develop the bike with Ducati. Plus this feeling is going well with Ducati and [Paolo] Campinoti, it’s positive to stay with them.

“Going to the factory team is always a nice dream but it was more a challenge between the young guys, I’m kind of the old one in the class but still performing pretty well.

“Staying with Pramac is a good thing because it’s a satellite team and they need some sponsor, and when they have a rider that can perform and stay in the team it’s also positive for the sponsor that are helping Pramac to do the best season possible.

“The relationship is always nice with the bosses of Ducati,” he continued on the battle for the factory seat. “I’m old enough to joke with them and when they were wondering whether to take a Spanish or Italian guy, I explained that France was right in the middle! They explained me well that they preferred to be more focused on the guys that have sure ten years in front of them in MotoGP, than me, I don’t say I only have one year but I wont push for ten! So that’s why, they were more focussed on the young guys.

“But on the other side, to