MotoGP: Johann Zarco Confirmed To Join KTM In 2019

Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider Johann Zarco has been one of the fiercest riders to watch out for in recent times and the young rider has finally earned his seat in a factory team starting next year. Zarco has been announced to join Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2019 and 2020, confirming a host of rumours ever since the beginning of this season. The French rider joins Pol Espargaro's as his new teammate and will be effectively replacing Bradley Smith in the team.

My carreer will continue where everything begin, from RedBull Rookies Cup to the conquest of the MotoGP title. You understand it, I join @KTM_Racing for the next two years. I’m very happy to ride this KTM, which we have the same ambitions : Ready to race ! @Michelin_Sport pic.twitter.com/H5j0b6c4Zp

— Johann Zarco (@JohannZarco1) May 3, 2018

Commenting on Johann Zarco joining the team, KTM Motorsports Director, Pit Beirer said, "There has always been a good contact with Johann and since the Red Bull Rookies Cup. We supported the Moto2 project through WP and our Moto3 Team Manager Aki Ajo is a good friend of him. We also have a nice connection with his manager Laurent Fellon. It was a group effort to get this done. We had to trust in our capability to build a winning bike and Johann would not come over if he did not see and feel that trust. We feel very responsible now to get that package strong enough so that he can continue on the level where he is. It is our big target."

Also Read: Tech 3 Announces New Partnership With KTM, Post Yamaha Break-Up

The 2017 rookie of the year, Zarco made a name for himself with being a consistent performer throughout the season last year, and has been one of the front row contenders ever since the beginning of the season. This, despite the fact that ther Frenchman is riding a 2016 Yamaha M1 and not the 2018 developed M1 (based on the 2016 chassis) used by the factory riders. That certainly has spoken volumes of the kind of potential Zarco holds.

Adding further, Beirer said, "It is clear that we want to take another step in MotoGP. The first two years were about building up the project and to get everything running. You always want to get the best possible riders on board and it's obvious with Johann beating the factory guys on satellite machinery and consistently qualifying on the front row means he is a strong fighter with a strong sprit. I'm convinced we can reach the next level with a rider like Johann with us."

(KTM has been a part of MotoGP premier class for two seasons now)

Zarco's promotion to the KTM factory team comes as organic and an expected move, even as Suzuki was also reportedly poaching the rider. Tech 3 and KTM have already announced to partner-up for 2019, post the former's two-decade-old association with Yamaha. Meanwhile, it is likely that Bradley Smith, who currently has an uncertain future in MotoGP, will be making a comeback to Tech 3.

Smith was a part of the satellite team between 2013-16 and secured his best in fifth place back in 2015. However, Bradley Smith could also switch to a different team altogether. That said, an announcement on the British rider's future is yet to be made.