Johann Zarco
MotoGP rider line-up 2017
Johann Zarco
The Frenchman Johann Zarco entered the Moto2 class in 2012 and initially had problems when he finished 10th in 2012, ninth in 2013 and sixth in 2014.
But when he switched to the Kalex bike in 2015, everything changed; Zarco has made 14 podiums this season, including eight wins. This year he won his first Grand Prix title and after eight laps so far in 2016, he is leading the battle for points.
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Talent does not go unnoticed; In 2017, the 25-year-old will enter the premier class of MotoGP with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team. Zarco joins current Moto2 rival Jonas Folger for a brand new lineup in 2017. Zarco’s first ride on the YZR-M1 will arrive at the traditional post-season test in Valencia.
To date, Zarco has achieved 25 podiums, including 11 wins, and nine pole positions in his Moto2 career. Zarco has signed with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team until 2017, with the option to extend this contract for another year.
Johann Zarco Says: “It goes without saying that I am very happy to join the MotoGP class with Tech3 and I am confident that we can forge a solid partnership. The team has a deep relationship and long history with Yamaha and they have proven that they can cope well in any situation and have a good package year after year.
“I am delighted and also motivates me to achieve my goals in the 2017 season. Of course, it seems like a logical move for a French team and a French master to work together, and now the deal is finally closed, which is certainly positive news. I will really do my best and prepare myself for the maximum, because I think it is more than possible to achieve some top results in MotoGP after my many years of experience in the intermediate class. “
Herve Poncharal (Team Manager) says: “After the long wait, I am pleased to announce that Johann Zarco will join the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team next year. We haven’t had the chance to work with a French rider on our MotoGP team since Sylvain Guintoli in 2007, but I’m sure Johann will do a great job. We have followed him closely since he won the Rookies Cup and he has continued to achieve success in the 125cc class and Moto2. Last season was amazing for him and he won the championship in a masterly fashion.
“Joining the team for Johann is a big and exciting challenge for me and he will work with Guy Coulon’s side of the garage. We are very confident that this relationship is strong as we already know that Johann and Guy will have many similar views. I also have to mention Laurent Fellon, his coach, friend and someone who has been with Johann since the beginning of his career. The two brought a new way of working to the sport and their efforts over the years will pay off and I can’t wait to see what he can do on our bike.
“The best pages of the Tech3 history book were written by French drivers, including Olivier Jacque, who won the 250cc title, with Dominique Sarron, Jean-Philippe Ruggia and Sylvain Guintoli, who were also successful, so I’m sure Johann will add can add to this list. I would like to give him a warm welcome and we can’t wait to see him on the bike afterwards. “