Zarco to leave KTM after single MotoGP season
KTM has announced Johann Zarco will leave its MotoGP outfit at the end of 2019, and will thus not see out his current two-year contract.
The Austrian manufacturer signed two-time Moto2 champion Zarco after he broke onto the premier-class scene with impressive form on Tech 3-run satellite Yamaha machinery in 2017 and 2018.
However, Zarco has been unable to replicate that form with the KTM RC16, having so far scored just 22 points to his teammate Pol Espargaro's 61.
The Frenchman's performances and approach had been criticised by KTM CEO Stefan Pierer, and while the recent addition of new manager and rider coach Jean-Michel Bayle was aimed at improving the situation, Zarco and KTM have now decided not to proceed together past the current season.
"Zarco tried to adapt his riding style to the KTM RC16 and the team tried relentlessly to mould the #5 machine to the Frenchman’s wishes and requirements while teammate Pol Espargaro made regular Q2 qualification appearances and persistently vied for top 10 positions," KTM's statement read.
"Ultimately both Johann and the team decided not to proceed with their joint project for 2020 and will now focus on giving the maximum for the final eight rounds and remaining months of MotoGP 2019."
Pierer had confirmed to Speedweek during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend that Zarco requested an early termination of the deal, although it hadn't been clear to KTM whether the Frenchman would like to see out the season - with Pierer naming test rider Mika Kallio as a back-up option.
It has yet to be confirmed who will take Zarco's ride for 2020, although Tech 3 rookie Miguel Oliveira - who finished a standout eighth at the Red Bull Ring - appears the most obvious option.
KTM is also believed to have considered Jack Miller, who officially remains a free agent for 2020 and whose future was briefly left in limbo when Jorge Lorenzo emerged as a contender to replace him at Pramac Ducati next year.
However, Lorenzo is understood to have decided against pursuing such a move, and Miller indicated to Motorsport.com on Sunday that his Pramac future was now nearly firmed up, and that he would continue to ride a factory-spec Ducati for the satellite team next year.
Johann Zarco, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Miguel Oliveira, Red Bull KTM Tech 3
Photo by: Gold and Goose / LAT Images
Share Or Save This Story
WTCR's April opener cancelled due to coronavirus
Australian GP issues update on nine F1 paddock coronavirus tests
Motorsport Games unveils 15 disciplines for 2020
MotoGP 2027 grid: All confirmed rider signings
Johann Zarco: “My ego is filled” after impressive MotoGP comeback in Aragon
Johann Zarco set to return at Aragon GP after terrifying Barcelona accident
Risky or good for the show? MotoGP riders divided on 2027 weekend format change
Pedro Acosta: “Strange” problem caused first tough MotoGP race in a “long time”
Pedro Acosta may not win a MotoGP race on a KTM - and that’s not a failure
Ollie Millroy visits Loek Hartog on birthday after crash, gifts him a Rolex
MotoGP riders resigned to Qatar GP as series monitors safety situation
MotoGP responds to riders' claims they had “no choice” over 2027 format
Spire places Chris Gabehart on administrative leave; JGR claims proof of wrongdoing
The contrasting tactics used by Ducati and Aprilia in MotoGP 2026 title fight
Five things we learned from MotoGP Japanese GP after tyre drama
How to make two MotoGP grids with a single qualifying session
What we learned from an emotional MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments