Johann Zarco’s KTM career came to an end after only 13 races.
Zarco dropped a bombshell in MotoGP after the team agreed to sack him from the second year of his two-year deal that began that season.
However, the Frenchman has been replaced by KTM test rider Mika Kallio, who will take over the Aragon Grand Prix this weekend.
MotoGP 2019 live stream from Aragon on KAYO SPORTS. Every training session, qualifying & race live & at any time in HD. Get Your 14 Day Free Trial>
CONTINUE READING
Fast Fabio: The newest title challenger for French rookie MotoGP
Inconsiderate: Inconsiderate Marquez contests Quartararo in the pulsating MotoGP of Misano
Drama: Opinions about the heated qualifying between Rossi and Marquez are divided
Zarco cited ongoing battles with the RC16 as the main reason for his decision to terminate his contract with the team.
In a speech in Misano last weekend, Zarco announced that he would not be participating in an upcoming private KTM test with the 2020 motorcycle.
In a statement, KTM said the decision to end Zarco’s 2019 race schedule with the team was amicable.
However, his existing contract was not terminated.
Zarco is not a fan of the RC16.Source: Getty Images
“Red Bull KTM will field current test rider Mika Kallio alongside Pol Espargaro for the rest of the MotoGP season 2019,” said the team.
“Johann and KTM have decided to end their club by mutual agreement at the end of 2019, but developments and ongoing work have meant that the priorities have been realigned.
“The Frenchman will be released from his MotoGP duties, but will remain under contract with KTM until the end of the season.”
Zarco’s first bomb fell before Jack Miller signed with Pramac again. News fell the same weekend that it was revealed that Jorge Lorenzo had been considering a move to Ducati, which failed Miller.
Veteran Finn Kallio – who shares the KTM test tasks with Dani Pedrosa – is one of the main contenders for the vacant 2020 racing seat alongside Pol Espargaro.
Zarco is now trying to get back on the grid but may have to wait until 2021 after most drivers are out of the contract.
Jack Miller speaks to Zarco after qualifying in Brno in August.Source: Getty Images
KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer said Kallio could help the team find a new driver in their 2020 plans.
“We have decisions to make to make sure we are using our resources in the best possible way and we are currently in a positive direction with our MotoGP structure,” said Beirer.
“We firmly believe that Mika can help us in this phase thanks to his knowledge and background. It is of the utmost importance that we review our test results under real racing conditions in order to start our 2020 season in the best position.
“Mika demonstrated his skills at the RC16 and we are delighted that he is back in the line-up as a racer. There is no doubt that with the # 82 we will be focusing on a new configuration as we battle for points in the final races of the championship.
“At the same time, we would like to thank Johann for his commitment since he started our ambitious project in November last year. We have to think about the future now and take this step accordingly.
“KTM will support him until our contract expires at the end of 2019 and we wish him all the best for his future.”