The Monster Yamaha Tech3 duo head to the second round of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship full of confidence as they intend to impress again on the track in Latin America. After winning the Moto2 race last year, Johann Zarco aims to battle to a notable finish this Sunday having led the early stages of the Qatar GP in what was his premier class debut. Whilst Jonas Folger seeks to follow up his hard fought top ten result at the last GP with a strong performance this weekend as he looks to meet the chequered flag in a solid point scoring position. Free practice One starts on Friday at 09:55 local time or 14:55 European Time.

Johann ZARCO - Championship: Not classified

"It will be my second MotoGP race this weekend when we go to Argentina and I’m excited to see what we can achieve. I like the venue, it’s quite new, and this year will be the fourth year that we will race there. I have had some strong results there in the past, with two victories and setting the fastest lap and pole position time at the track in the Moto2 class. The circuit itself is interesting, fast and quite simple, which is why I enjoy riding on it. After the good start in Qatar, I would like to keep the pace and the momentum going and I hope to use the upcoming opportunity in Argentina to score a great result and collect a lot of points. This is certainly possible for us, so lets see what happens but I am motivated and looking forward to racing in Argentina."


Jonas FOLGER - Championship: 10th - Points: 6

"I am really looking forward to racing in Argentina on the Yamaha because I thoroughly enjoy the Termas de Rio Hondo track and it is one of my favourites. The layout is quite different to Qatar but I am keen to experience the fast flowing nature of the South American circuit on a MotoGP bike and I am sure that we can have a positive time. My target is to improve and finish higher up the field after what was a solid race in Qatar and for sure, I will be a bit more relaxed this weekend. I am certain that I can make a step up so I’m excited to go there and I am determined to show the people, as well as myself, that I can do a better job than at the last GP."


Hervé PONCHARAL - Team manager

"The next Grand Prix is at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit where both of our riders have been strong in the past and they love racing at this great track. It’s clear to see that Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger are excited and a bit impatient to get going again, but we all are too! Johann has an impressive record at Rio Hondo, where he has won twice before in the Moto2 class and after what happened at the last race, we are ready to move on. As for Jonas, we are confident in him, and he will be more relaxed this time after getting a top ten result on his debut in the premier class. The weather forecast is a bit tricky at the moment and we hope it will improve, yet nevertheless, we are sure that we can put on a good show. This Grand Prix is also sponsored by Motul, one of the Tech3 partners, so we have extra motivation for this round. Everyone in the team enjoys the Argentina experience, and the fans are fantastic because they come from all over South America to support our racing. Yamaha has been consistently strong at this track so it will be an exciting weekend for us and we are optimistic that our guys can conclude the event with two positive performances on Sunday."




TRACK DATA

Pole position: Left
Length: 4.805 m
Width: 16 m
Corners: 12 (5 right, 7 left)
Longest Straight: 1.070 m
Constructed: 2007

CIRCUIT LOCATION

Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero, Argentina

HISTORY    

Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo is a motorsport circuit located in Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina. The circuit was created in 2007 and underwent a complete overhaul and rebuild process in 2012, based on design by the Italian circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli. The circuit has hosted the Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix since 2014, bringing Grand Prix motorcycle racing back to Argentina after fifteen years. In 2013, the circuit also hosted Rounds 15 and 16 of the FIA WTCC Race of Argentina of the World Touring Car Championship, and the first MotoGP and Moto2 official tests.The track was due to host the Argentine motorcycle Grand Prix in 2013 but the government's nationalisation of the local subsidiary of Repsol S.A., and the ensuing cancellation of gas exports to Argentina raised concerns for the safety of the Honda MotoGP team that is sponsored by the Spanish oil company, forcing a one-year postponement. In previous years, the circuit has also hosted events in the TC2000, Turismo Carretera and Formula Renault series.