Johann Zarco nailed his goal on the second day of testing in Sepang. In fact, the Tech3 rider was aiming to drop below the two-minute mark and in the end he stopped the clock at 1’59”702, just 28 thousandths of a second ahead of Marc Marquez. There are, however, some aspects that the Frenchman is not entirely pleased with.

“Today I used the same frame as yesterday and in Valencia – the 17.1 frame - the rider began - I think there is significant potential there. The other riders have improved, but it’s nice to be under the two-minute mark.”

Not everything went as hoped.

“Unfortunately, I’m lacking a bit of speed - he admitted - Tomorrow I’ll try to increase my pace, discussing which direction to move with the team.”

Johann sums up the situation after these two days.

“I think I have confidence on the bike and I am consistent, but I am struggling in terms of speed - he reiterated - As I said, this was a complicated Monday. I tried to change a few things, but it did not go in the direction I had hoped. Toward the end, I tried to push and I’m happy to have stopped the clock at 1’59”, even if I didn’t expect it.”

The 2016 frame and the 2017 frame are the question mark for the Tech3 rider at the moment. Too soon to choose.

“I still don’t know - Zarco admitted - I am not too far off the performance from October. I’ll keep giving the team information and then Yamaha will give me all the option from which to choose. Unfortunately, if I am unable to get the most out of the bike, I’ll have to change, but this is only the first test.”

Zarco then discussed the differences that came out between the 2016 bike and 2017 version.

“It isn’t that different - he pointed out - There are various conditioning aspects, but it can depend on the rider, for example, but also on the frame or the track. We noticed that last year riders tried different solution during the season.”