P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Joan Mir’s form on Honda’s latest MotoGP package prompts Johann Zarco to rethink his approach.
Johann Zarco comments that he needs to adjust his mindset regarding base set-up and riding technique to match Joan Mir’s pace on Honda’s recent MotoGP updates. He admitted reverting to older parts at Phillip Island to regain confidence with the RC213V.
During the Sepang rounds, Zarco experimented with various engine specs before returning to the new configuration for the races, securing points in both races for the first time since Austria. Despite this, he finished 12th in the Sunday race, contrasting with Mir’s impressive performance and podium finish.
Zarco acknowledged Honda’s significant improvement over the past year, citing Mir’s podium as evidence of the bike’s potential to achieve top-five results. He plans to find a solution for the new bike package by adjusting his bike’s set-up and potentially re-adapting his riding style to maximize the bike’s performance.
Zarco’s current world championship lead over Luca Marini, who also uses the new Honda package, is narrow at six points. Mir, meanwhile, sits at 15th in the standings with 93 points compared to Zarco’s 134 from winning at Le Mans.
