Qatar polesitter Johann Zarco doesn't believe he has the speed to challenge for victory in Sunday's MotoGP opener despite demolishing the Losail lap record in qualifying.
The Tech3 rider brushed off a crash in fourth practice to smash Jorge Lorenzo's ten-year-old lap record in qualifying with a final lap of 1:53.680s in Q2, beating factory Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales convincingly, who struggled in eighth and 12th respectively.
Getting close to the former pole record during the final day of pre-season testing in Qatar two weeks ago, Zarco admitted then his race pace was too slow to challenge for the win, and reiterated this on Saturday.
“After the crash, I'm not the kind of rider to crash and then go very fast after the crash, and I as wondering what I could do in qualifying after the crash,” Zarco explained.
“But immediately I began the qualifying with the new tyre, I felt good on the bike.
“I was happy to have a reference the lap before, and then I say 'OK, I have to do it, so try it,' and I was surprised to cross the finish line and see this laptime.
“Was just fantastic, I was happy, it's good to be in pole position. It doesn't mean anything for the race, just a good start, a good opportunity.
“At the moment, with the pace, I think I don't have the pace for the victory, but why not tomorrow find it and go for it.”
Zarco was one of only a few riders in Q2 to opt for the medium front tyre. Asked whether this was the key to his qualifying success, the Frenchman admitted he simply felt better on it during the test and Friday's practices.
“Compare with the other two [factory] Yamaha, maybe this was the key to be faster,” he said.
“But since Friday my feeling is better with the medium one, also since the test. That's why I didn't want to slow down too much.
“I feel good and I knew if I kept pushing at least for a few laps it's gonna work well. So it can be the key, but overall when you have the good feeling you go on it.
