Speaking exclusively to Simon Crafar in Pit-Lane during the MotoGP™ session, Lin Jarvis has confirmed that Yamaha has made a proposal to Johann Zarco to be a part of the European test team. The Frenchman made the decision along with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing outfit to end their contract early and the double-Moto2 World Champion has an option to return to Yamaha and star in their European test team, currently led by his former Tech 3 Yamaha teammate, Jonas Folger.
“We started our test team just last year, we were a bit late I have to say. We were probably the last of the manufacturers to get a European test team but anyway, next year we want to upgrade so there will be more involvement and cooperation between Japan and Europe so that we can have the best test team we can,” began Jarvis in a swelteringly hot Thailand.
The Yamaha Managing Director has seen his manufacturer take one victory in 2019, courtesy of Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) at the TT Circuit Assen back in June, whilst numerous podiums have highlighted the rewards of having a European test team. But now, the manufacturer wants to upgrade further. News broke yesterday that Valentino Rossi's (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) current crew chief, Silvano Galbusera, would leave his side of the garage and move to the European test team, as Yamaha clearly show their intent on refining their package.
Continuing, Jarvis said: “We have had positive experiences with Johann Zarco this season but suddenly, by surprise, the situation changed for Zarco. So now, with Zarco becoming potentially available, it has become very interesting for us and we have worked with him in the past, at Tech 3. He has the speed and is a current MotoGP rider, so if he is available to do the testing role next year, it could be very, very interesting for us.”
“We are in discussion with him and we have made a proposal to him, and I think that by the end of the fly-aways, we will know whether it can happen or not.”
With this news surfacing, Zarco’s future looks fairly more stable after a turbulent few rounds before. If the Frenchman heads back to Yamaha, it could be a move that will suit both parties involved.