MotoGP: Monster Yamaha duo make for fast learners

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rookie duo of Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger have once again proven why the pair deserve to be in the premiere class, after backing up strong performances at Qatar with a stunning brace of top six results during Sunday’s Argentinian Grand Prix.

Coming home in fifth to help make amends for crashing out of the lead in Qatar last month, reigning Moto2 world champion Zarco says that while the performance might be there, he still feels like he’s got a lot more potential to come as he learns to adapt to the bike.

“Starting from 14^th was a new experience for me, but to have to control your bike as you overtake the others, to not touch them, it all helps. I took time to control that in Moto2, and I’m taking time to control it in MotoGP as well. The race was good, but I need to keep working because it’s the only way to improve.”

And his sentiments were echoed by teammate Jonas Folger, one place behind him in sixth, who conceded that while he’s still got things to learn he’s also got a big target to aim for in the shape of his teammate.

“At the beginning of the race, I wasn’t as shy as I was in Qatar, and that helped me a lot. Holding my position helped me maintain my confidence, and allowed me to think about saving my tyres, to try all my maps, and to understand some things at the end of the race about coming faster again when I need to.

“I was a bit worried after a weak start in Qatar, but I’m feeling a lot more confident now, and we have a direction to keep working in. The only problem was that Zarco was a little bit faster, and now we have to analyse why that was to beat him next time!”