How Ducati rebuilt Johann Zarco into a factory MotoGP rider

It has been quite an 18 months for Johann Zarco. From facing a potential MotoGP exile after splitting with KTM, the double Moto2 champion has shown his mettle to secure a prized spot in the Ducati fold, putting even greater prospects in reach…

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The 2020 MotoGP season was full of 'what-ifs', but perhaps the biggest concerned Zarco. What if he had persevered with KTM into the second year of his contract? Could he have done what Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira were able to do and win races?

But this was not the path destined for the Moto2 world champion of 2015 and 2016. Herve Poncharal's decision to promote Zarco to MotoGP in 2017 with his Tech3 team raised some eyebrows, but three podiums on the satellite Yamaha in his debut season had done enough to make him a major player in the 2019 rider market.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary MotoGP reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers other motorcycle racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.