Brno (Czech Republic) (AFP)

Poleman and third surprise of the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic on Sunday, for his third race only with Ducati-Avintia, the Frenchman Johann Zarco is delighted to "score points with Ducati" with a view to obtaining a better bike in 2021.

Q: You said after having taken pole on Saturday that a top 5 would already be a good result. Finally, you are 3rd!

A: "It's sure it's even better than a top 5! I missed my start, we'll have to work on it. Several drivers overtook me and it was difficult to get back afterwards. When Pol Espargaro touched me, I did not expect it. I was not sure he fell, then I understood when I was penalized for that contact. At that moment, I was third, I thought I was going to lose places and that it would be difficult to fight for the podium. But during this long lap (a widened trajectory in a bend acting as a penalty, note), nobody overtook me From there, I had a second wind and I said to myself: now, I will try to attack and concentrate on Franco Morbidelli (in second position, editor's note) to catch up and save third place. I did that, but in the end it wasn't easy with Alex Rins behind. I closed the door tight and it worked. "

Q: Seeing KTM win a year after your untimely break-up for lack of results gives you no regrets?

A: "Brad (Binder, the GP winner, editor's note) is doing the job I failed to do at KTM, but I have no regrets. I am happy for him, for them and for me. Ducati explains a lot of things to me, I regain my confidence. We are both in our place. (...) I was in great difficulty last year. I had to take this step to take my freedom, be okay with myself. I felt like I was taking money for doing nothing, for doing shit. It's different with Ducati. Maybe because they're Latin? winter testing, I had a good feeling on the bike and I was able to build on it. "

Q: Does being the fastest Ducati rider bode well for you as you aim for a better position in the Italian galaxy next season?

A: "I don't know and I'm not really trying to find out why I was the fastest, but it's good to score points with Ducati. I hope I deserve something good. This result comes at the right one. moment, even earlier than expected. We now have to confirm in Austria (August 16 and 23). It's a good lead for us but let's not tell ourselves that it's going to be easy. "

Interview at a press conference.

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