Johann Zarco has today been announced as Pol Espargaro's teammate at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2019 and 2020, confirming the strong rumors that had surrounded the Frenchman's ride for 2019 and beyond.
Zarco, who was crowned Rookie of the Year in 2017, has been a consistent frontrunner since his graduation to the premier class after his two Moto2™ World Championships.
“There has always been a good contact with Johann and since the Red Bull Rookies Cup," says Pit Beirer - KTM Motorsports Director. "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.
“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.”
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) 3 May 2018