Ajo Motorsport rider begins European tour after his first win in Argentina and as leader of the Moto2 World Championship standings.

Johann Zarco could hardly arrive in better shape for the first European event of the year, the Spanish Grand Prix. Pole and victory in the last race and the lead in the Moto2 overall standings allow the Frenchman to face this weekend at the Jerez circuit with the greatest possible optimism. The euphoria should not overwhelm the Ajo Motorsport rider, who knows that only by working as he has done so far will he continue adding good results.

With two consecutive podiums to his name -a victory and a second position- the Frenchman will this weekend try to continue with his best ever start to a season. This will be the seventh GP Zarco has contested at Jerez track, at which he has always scored points and where in 2011, also with Ajo Motorsport in 125cc, he took third. In addition, in the first preseason test in February at the circuit, he was fastest. Confident with his riding, team and bike, he will try to continue his love affair with the Andalusian track.

The Spanish Grand Prix will be a special one for Jerez de la Frontera, this year named Motorcycling Capital of the World. The action begins on Friday with free practice and concludes with Sunday’s race at 12:20pm local time.

Circuit information – Jerez
Length: 4.423 m / 2.748 miles
Width: 11 metres
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 607 m / 0.377 miles
Constructed: 1986
Modified: 2002

Johann Zarco,
“We come to Jerez excited, both me and the team, after this early season form and after getting my first win in Moto2. We must continue in the same way, working hard for the race in the free practices. I hope to feel as good as how we felt in preseason, both in the dry and wet, and enjoy the bike and the circuit. It is true that the conditions will be different from the test, but we already have some data that I’m sure will help us. I will try to use my experience to get a good result. On Sunday I hope to be back fighting for the top positions.

We’ll see how this round goes and what strategy we follow, because it is never good to have an idea of a race until it comes. I’m looking forward to getting back with the team.”