Zarco elated to get first MotoGP win at “mythical” Phillip Island

Johann Zarco was backflipping and buzzing with emotions after scoring a breakthrough MotoGP win at the “mythical” Phillip Island.

The 33-year-old Frenchman emerged victorious from a thrilling Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix that went down to the final lap.

Initially it appeared the other Pramac Ducati of Jorge Martin was destined for the top step, but his Soft rear tyre ran out of grip within sight of the chequered flag.

This setup a thrilling final-lap showdown and Zarco managed to overcome not just the ailing Martin, but also Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Brad Binder.

After countless laps of gruelling battles, it was Zarco, who perfectly positioned his bike when the race reached a climax at Miller Corner.

It was here at the right hander where the chasers caught Martin and the Spaniard, Zarco and Bagnaia went side by side for the lead.
Driven by six years of toil without success in the premier class, Zarco emerged in front to record a drought-breaking win in his 120th race and seventh season in the premier class.

The Frenchman marked the success by performing a long-awaited backflip and he believed scoring the special win at the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit made victory taste even sweeter.

“Sometimes I was thinking ‘would I ever do it?” Zarco told Fox Sports.

“I was still hoping for a future win but today we produced a strong race which is amazing.

“The backflip was something I was not thinking about but then when I saw the fans I thought I need to do it with them!

“I am so happy it has arrived at the mythical track of Phillip Island.

“It is always great to race here but it is a special emotion to win here.”

Zarco started fifth but dropped to seventh on the opening lap as Martin rode into the distance and Jack Miller shot from eighth to third.

But the Frenchman shot back into the top five on lap three and then settled in behind Francesco Bagnaia, protecting his rear tyre as Binder and Di Giannantonio fought for second.

Zarco was patient, holding position for the next 18 laps until he finally took aim at Bagnaia, getting the move made at Doohan Corner.

With three laps to go the #5 then moved up into the podium positions as the quartet were embroiled in a thrilling fight for second, whilst catching Martin.

It all came to a head on the final lap when the catching pack led by Zarco caught Martin in the run up the Miller Corner.

Zarco went for the inside of Martin and the move paid off, snatching the lead, while Bagnaia went for the outside and despite chopping through a tiny gap between the #89 and Di Giannantonio, was unable to challenge the #5.

Zarco said the mid-race period sitting behind was a pivotal part of the victory.

“I was quite happy to be fast at the beginning despite seeing Jorge going away,” he said.

“I was able to control the rear tyre behind Pecco so the fight for second place was under project because Fabio and Brad were not far away and we would catch them.

“But then on the last five laps I was seeing a little bit more of Jorge and I thought maybe something was possible and needed to take the risk to get the opportunity to win.

“I used my drive and I am so happy I did it.”

Despite waiting his entire life for this moment, the 33-year-old will have to mute celebrations somewhat with the Sprint still to take place tomorrow at the revised time of 13.00 AEDT Sunday afternoon.

Although mystery surrounds whether or not rain and wind will allow bikes to go racing tomorrow, Zarco is certain he can attack harder than ever with a significant “weight” disappeared from his shoulders.

“It will be another opportunity tomorrow if we can go on track,” he said.

“Staying on the wets could be an advantage because there is less weight on my shoulders now and I will be able to enjoy tomorrow whatever happens.”

With Zarco praising the “mythical” track and commentators screaming “we love you Phillip Island” the fondness for both the Frenchman and the seaside track was undisputed after another classic Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Image by Gold and Goose

2023 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix schedule

Sunday, October 22

8.00 Moto3 warmup

8.20 Moto2 warmup

08.40 MotoGP warmup

10.00 Moto3 race

11.15 Moto2 race

13.00 MotoGP Sprint

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