Zarco: Suzuka 8h ride a chance to prove myself to Suzuki
Frenchman Johann Zarco confirms he is to represent Suzuki in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours race - and is hopeful that the ride will boost his chances of joining the marque's MotoGP line-up.
The reigning Moto2 champion previously confirmed he had a test programme in place with Suzuki for the summer and has now made it known that he has received - and accepted - an offer from the manufacturer to race at Suzuka.
Speaking at Le Mans, Zarco said: "I've found with Suzuki the way to test MotoGP in Japan with them and it's a nice opportunity - and also they ask me if I can do the eight hours, the endurance race in Suzuka, where I've never been.
"I say yes because I like to train with a road bike and I got my feeling on a road bike before, so it's good to try this race and be part of Suzuki for this and do everything possible to do well.
"I hope to be with Suzuki in 2017 and this is part of the job this summer to prove what I can do and take this dream to go into MotoGP.
"It doesn't mean yet that I have a place with them for next year - but for sure, if they give me this opportunity, it's not to be on another brand for the next year."
Espargaro yet to start contract discussions
Of Suzuki's current MotoGP duo, Maverick Vinales has confirmed he already has a contract extension offer from the marque - along with an offer from Yamaha.
Aleix Espargaro, meanwhile, having had a tough start to the season before quickly recovering ground, says he has not yet started negotiations for next year.
"We didn't really start to speak about the future," he said.
"Obviously after the last two rounds, I'm a little bit more relaxed, no real pressure. Everything I can do is try to stay in the front, try to fight for the podium and if I'm able to this, [an extension] could be a nice surprise."
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