Ajo Motorsport rider starts flyaway rounds at a track where he was proclaimed World Champion last year -and where he took his first win in 2011.

The start of the three-round flyaway series in the Moto2 World Championship could not come at a better time for Johann Zarco. The Japanese track of Motegi hosts the first of three consecutive Grands Prix this weekend and, after four difficult events, the Ajo Motorsport rider will try to place on the podium at a circuit where he took his first win in 2011 (in 125cc) and celebrated being crowned Moto2 World Champion last season with another victory.

Zarco was handed the title on the Friday after his only rival suffered an injury that ruled him out of the race. However, he marked the occasion in style with pole position and the race win at Motegi. The 2015 Japanese Grand Prix is an event that he will never forget and will serve as motivation for this weekend’s contest. After missing out on the podium at the last four races, the Frenchman aims to take a third career rostrum at the famous Twin Ring circuit and defend his lead of the overall standings.

The Moto2 race takes place on Sunday at 12:20pm local time.

Circuit information – Twin Ring Motegi
Length: 4.801 m / 2.983 miles
Width: 15 m
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 762 m / 0.473 miles
Constructed: 1997
Modified: 1997

5 JOHANN ZARCO
“It is true that in the last few races we have not been able to keep the points advantage we had in the overall standings, but we are thinking positive. We are still in a great position of first in the World Championship, and this is very important. We are working to fight for the title and we are up there. This is a time of the season that I like, but it is very hard. It’s three consecutive weeks that will demand a lot from us and can define the final outcome. Motegi will always be very special to me. I got my first victory in the World Championship there in 2011 and last year I was proclaimed World Champion, with another win. I don’t think I could have a better memory. I hope to get another good result this weekend.”