But wasn't Zarco adamant about getting a 2 year deal? He needs the job security as this could be his last hoorah.
2024 - Valencia Pre Season Test
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Joined May 2009
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Shovel's Club
He had a two year deal with KTM also but only managed half a season. I give him less than that at honda.
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Office cubicle
I believe Zarco got the humbling he needed a while ago. Back then in the KTM days he was a hot prospect and he probably expected to fight for the championship one day. I think he knows the dream is over and he's just choosing to stick around regardless of performance.
There's a video of Puig introducing Marini to a couple guys with a little interview. He said the bike was all new, different bike from the last test. Maybe they got something right and it's not a bad bike.
Joined Apr 2015
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NJ
That's an interesting bet. Honda can say whatever they like but the expectation is it's going to be a .... bike. Zarco has no idea what he's in for. How much is the bet?
Joined Mar 2023
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Australia
Good summary Michael, I suspect that's where Zarco believes he is, make some cash before retiring. If he was thinking of winning the world championship on a Honda then he would of taken the factory ride
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Bendigo Vic
I'd like to see it but yes we will see.
I expect the margin he had before aero and ride height with respect to stuffing a motorcycle into a corner past the ability of the front tyre is now significantly reduced compared to others with that .... added to the bikes.
I still rate him as the best I've seen due to that ability but not sure it is as strong a tool as it once was because of the bikes.
Looking forward to watching him anyway and very interested to see how it pans out.
I expect the margin he had before aero and ride height with respect to stuffing a motorcycle into a corner past the ability of the front tyre is now significantly reduced compared to others with that .... added to the bikes.
I still rate him as the best I've seen due to that ability but not sure it is as strong a tool as it once was because of the bikes.
Looking forward to watching him anyway and very interested to see how it pans out.
Joined Oct 2008
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In Cider
I'll write a longer post with more pics after I get on my laptop, but I've been up since 3.30 and am pumped!
Marc went out about 75 minutes into the day and within FIVE laps he set the fastest first sector to go third behind his brother and Binder. At the lunch break he was 2nd, 3 tenths behind test king Vinales.
His first look with his crew chief after his first run.
Marc went out about 75 minutes into the day and within FIVE laps he set the fastest first sector to go third behind his brother and Binder. At the lunch break he was 2nd, 3 tenths behind test king Vinales.
His first look with his crew chief after his first run.
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My pants are wet and it ain't piss.
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Office cubicle
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In Cider
Joined Oct 2008
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In Cider
Pedro Acosta is impressive! Currently just 1s off the pace and matching his factory KTM counterparts.
Joined Sep 2015
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Office cubicle
While this is true, it's also rare to see rookies posting laps this good in their first day testing a MotoGP. I admit I rate Aldeguer higher than Acosta but it looks promising for KTM/GasGas.
Joined Oct 2008
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In Cider
For context, Marcs fastest lap in Q2 on the Honda was 1:29.275, Today on the Ducati his best was 1:29.430
Difference between Valencia GP Q2 and Valencia test.
Marc: +0.155s
Zarco: +1.139s
Diggia: +0.152s (Same manufacturer)
Rins. +0.971s
Morbidelli: +0.219s
Marini: 0.569s
Based on Vinales best time (P1 in both Q2 and the test), the track is 0.322s slower. Predictably, only Marc and Franco are 'quicker'.
Difference between Valencia GP Q2 and Valencia test.
Marc: +0.155s
Zarco: +1.139s
Diggia: +0.152s (Same manufacturer)
Rins. +0.971s
Morbidelli: +0.219s
Marini: 0.569s
Based on Vinales best time (P1 in both Q2 and the test), the track is 0.322s slower. Predictably, only Marc and Franco are 'quicker'.
