Loss of front ride-height device a 'pity' says Zarco, refutes 'dangerous' claims

Zarco has seen first-hand the level of development that has gone into Ducati’s front and rear ride-height devices after having spent the last two seasons aboard Desmosedici machinery. 

However, with MotoGP announcing a ban on the front lowering system from 2023 onwards, Ducati will lose out on a device they somewhat perfected, at least when analysing its performance relative to other manufacturers. 

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With 19 MotoGP races left to run in 2022, Zarco believes Ducati have to use its device to the maximum in order to gain an advantage. 

But as has often been the case when it comes to leading the development train, the Pramac rider remains confident that the Bologna-based factory will continue to adapt going forward.

Zarco added: "We will have to use it well this year to get an advantage. I think it’s interesting for the development. 

"When Ducati produced it we found some very interesting feelings, then the other brands could do it too and you can see how it works for them. 

"It will limit this type of development, but I don’t think it was a development that makes the bike more dangerous. 

"It’s a pity for Ducati because they like to play with it and find advantages. But they will adapt. I don’t think it’s more dangerous."

Although Zarco remains winless in MotoGP, plus the fact his GP22 bike is proving to be slightly more difficult than Ducati had hoped in terms of extracting raw performance, this weekend’s Argentina MotoGP could provide a great chance at finally taking top spot.  

Aside from Catalunya last season, the Termas De Rio Hondo Circuit was the closest Zarco has come to winning in the premier class, after a race long battle with Cal Cructhlow in 2018 resulted in the former Tech 3 Monster Yamaha rider finishing second. 

Since then, Zarco has continued to elevate his game despite confessing he’s still 'growing up on the Ducati'.

Speaking about his chances come Sunday’s race, Zarco added: "Since Moto2 I have great memories. It seems like quite a fast track and we have long corners and fast corners, maybe that’s why I’m feeling quite comfortable. 

"With the Yamaha in MotoGP, I also got some good results - 2017, the podium in 18 and almost fighting for the victory when Cal [Crutchlow] won the race. 

"Then in 2019 I was with KTM and it was more difficult. Two years without Argentina was long, but now I’m feeling good on the Ducati, still growing up on the Ducati. 

"My feeling is quite good but I’m sure it can be better to use the full potential of the bike. I hope I can do it here and get a great result. 

"After the podium in Indonesia it’s giving a good push, but we have to say, because of the schedule change. We have to be clever to do a good job, while going as quickly as possible to be ready for the qualifying."

Another Ducati rider who could be in contention this weekend is championship leader Enea Bastianini. 

The second-year MotoGP man was only 11th in Mandalika, however, late race pace was once again beginning to look ominous as he made his way up to P8. 

But after getting embroiled in a tussle with Brad Binder, Darryn Binder and Aleix Espargaro, the Gresini rider was unable to use that speed to clear off.

Looking to bounce back with a similar result to that of his season-opening win in Qatar, Bastianini is convinced his GP21 has the tools to do just that. 

"For me, this 21 bike can be fast on this track," said the former Moto2 world champion. "Also, I think the grip will not be perfect like in Mandalika, or a little bit like in Qatar. 

"I like this condition and I have to stay concentrated, especially during the Saturday because it’s so long. 

"We have one more session and it will be important to learn. I have to be fast in qualifying."