Zarco: I believe I can win

Johann Zarco believes he has an excellent opportunity to challenge for his maiden MotoGP victory at Sepang.

The Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider qualified on the front row for the third time in three races as he slotted into second place behind Dani Pedrosa, with only 0.017s between them.

Zarco has excelled during his rookie season in the premier class and clinched a superb runner-up finish at his home Grand Prix at Magny-Cours earlier in the season, but now the Frenchman is hoping to go one step better in Malaysia.

The two-time Moto2 champion, who narrowly missed out on a podium at Phillip Island, said: “I believe and I need to believe, or you don’t start the race! I’m thinking two riders I think for the championship and Marc [Marquez] has the advantage, so maybe this time he can fight a bit less for the victory.

“I hope with the pace I found since FP1 and if we can find some step for acceleration, I think I can stay with the top guys, so let’s see tomorrow.”

Zarco has improved steadily over the weekend in practice and qualifying and says he has gained plenty of confidence on the satellite M1.

“A good day, from FP1 on dry conditions we were going well. We worked with the team and found some improvement and I am so happy to have this confidence and be able to use it,” he said.

“In the qualifying, I used two tyres I think like all the riders. The first exit was quite good and the second one I tried to do a little bit more and it was working. I was thinking pole position but Dani was not far away and maybe the last sector he did it better, I don’t know.

“I’m just happy because first row is important if we have dry conditions and the sun is going to be so warm. It helps to be on the front row, start the race and stay with the best group and save some energy.”