Johann Zarco will join KTM for 2019 and 2020 MotoGP seasons

Johann Zarco will team up with Pol Espargaró at KTM for the 2019 and 2020 MotoGP campaigns.

The 2017 rookie of the year has won two Moto2 championships and currently sits fourth in the MotoGP riders’ standings behind Maverick Viñales.

Pit Beirer, KTM motor sport director, said that there had been contact with Johann since he competed in the Red Bull Rookies’ Cup. 

“We supported the Moto2 project and our Moto3 Team Manager Aki Ajo is a good friend of him. We also have a nice connection with his manager Laurent Fellon,” said Beirer.

“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.

“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.”

Current KTM rider Bradley Smith’s future is unclear at this point.