RACING: Zarco joins KTM factory team
The Frenchman has accepted KTM’s offer to become a MotoGP factory rider in 2019Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has signed Frenchman Johann Zarco to join its MotoGP outfit in 2019 and 2020.
The Cannes-born Zarco, 27, will join Pol Espargaro in the factory team on the RC 16 machine, with Briton Bradley Smith making way for the talented Frenchman.
“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,” said Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director.
“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.”
Zarco is currently riding for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team owned by Herve Poncheral – but that outfit is also heading the way of the Austrian brand in 2019 as a major satellite partner.
Zarco, the dual Moto2 world champion, Moto is currently fifth in the 2018 MotoGP standings ahead of this weekend’s round four in Spain.
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