Moto GP: Johann Zarco second in Qatar, Maverick Viñales winner

Johann Zarco is not only fast in a straight line.

After breaking the speed record on a Moto GP on Saturday, the Frenchman signed a magnificent performance in the race this Sunday in Losail (Qatar).

For his first Grand Prix at Ducati Pramac (Ducati satellite team), the Cannois snatched second place in the inaugural race of the season.

Starting sixth, Zarco beat his rivals one by one, until they came up against the winner of the day: the Spaniard Maverick Viñales.

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Vinales wins this first race of the season, Zarco second

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Doubled in the last meters by the reigning world champion, the Spaniard Joan Mir, Johann Zarco was able to count on the superior power of his Ducati to regain the place of dolphin on the line.

"It was a good race, a long race, it was difficult at the end," admitted the Frenchman.

I thought I could have the speed to follow Viñales, but he was quick at the end of the track.

I managed to drive fast saving myself a little.

I take advantage of the moment, I enjoy myself, I have fun.

"

Quartararo in difficulty, but 5th

Starting from pole position, the Italian Francesco Bagnaia completed the podium, after also overtaking Mir in the last 100 meters.

Far from this fierce three-way battle, Fabio Quartararo finished fifth.

A satisfactory result considering the physiognomy of the Niçois race.

Second at the start, the new Yamaha rider - struggling with his tires - completely let go of his teammate's pace, until he ended up 7th at the middle of the race.

He finally pulled himself together to grab some valuable points in the fight for the world title.

Close to the coronation in 2020, he finally collapsed at the end of the season (8th).