SEPANG: With a front row start in hand, Johann Zarco believes he can finally make his breakthrough win in MotoGP at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix tomorrow.
The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider qualified second, just 0.017 seconds behind poleman Dani Pedrosa, and is confident he has the pace to go all the way in the dry at the Sepang Circuit.
"I believe it (possibility of winning) and need to believe it," said Zarco.
"We have been going well since the first practice session here and made a number of improvements.
"I am so happy to have found this confidence and have the ability to use it.
"I thought I had pole today, but Dani was just a bit faster, probably in the final sector.
"Being on the front row is very important here at Sepang, as the heat will be very tough if there is no rain. It is good to be in the front row, as it is easier to stay with the front group and save energy."
This is Zarco's fifth front row start this season.
The Frenchman added that the championship duel between Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso could allow for a more open race.
"There are two riders (Marquez and Dovizioso) fighting for the championship and Marc has the advantage, so maybe this time he can fight a bit less for the victory."
Zarco is competing in his debut season in MotoGP having spent the last five years in Moto2. He won the Moto2 title twice in 2015 and 2016. – With additional reporting by Saiful Affendy Sapran