‘I didn't expect 362 km/h', but it was ‘a special moment’ - Zarco

Records are tumbling in Qatar as Francesco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco both produced new outright records during Saturday’s qualifying day. 

Bagnaia set the new lap record with the first sub 1m 53s lap at Losail to take pole position, while fellow Ducati rider Zarco produced a top speed of 225.1mph (362.4kph), which beats the previous record of 356.7kph set by Andrea Dovizioso at Mugello in 2019. 

Zarco set the new top speed record prior to qualifying and was quickest during that same FP4 session. 

With the Grand Prix win likely coming down to Yamaha and Ducati, Zarco will be looking to use his power and speed advantage over the Yamaha riders to challenge for a first podium with the Pramac team. 

The most important factor of the race is likely to be the tyres and keeping them in good condition, as the Losail circuit is known for its high degradation. 

Following qualifying, Zarco said: "FP4 has been pretty interesting, immediately a good lap time. And then I think the pace is interesting.

"I could also follow good guys, and see that I can be comfortable following people, other riders. 

"So this is a chance tomorrow to control the tyre for all the distance of the race, because starting in 6th position is a good place and with a good start I can be quite fast on the first five or seven laps. 

"Then I think when everyone will have the pace, let's see how we can use our strong points with the engine, because there will also be the three Yamahas. 

"So with the Yamahas different strong points it will be pretty interesting, but I think I can do well, because compared to last year I have much more possibility to save the tyres."

Ducati’s top end speed so far in Qatar has been extremely impressive and has been around 15kph faster than the Yamahas.

No other manufacturer has come close throughout the weekend so far in terms of Ducati’s top speed. 

But even Zarco did not expect such numbers. The two-time Moto2 champion said: "Two things, the slipstream plus also braking late. 

"You have to do both things together. We were thinking this 360 km/h was possible, but I didn't expect 362 km/h. 

"So happy for it, because it's always a special moment. I see that even if I brake very early I have a good opportunity in the race that I never had before. 

"I can control the speed in the straight to stay easily behind the other riders. That's the target."