Zarco to move to MotoGP with Tech3 in 2017

Team Tech3 will entrust its bikes to two rookies next season and, following the Jonas Folger announcement in recent months, now comes the long-awaited confirmation of Johann Zarco. The current Moto2 champion will climb on board the last available Yamaha M1.

The contract between Zarco and the French team is for one year, with an option for 2018.

"It goes without saying that I am very happy to join the MotoGP class with Tech3 and I am confident that we can form a solid partnership -commented Johann - The team has a deep relationship and long history with Yamaha and they have proved that they can manage well in every situation and have had a good package year after year. This pleases me and it gives me extra motivation for reaching my targets in the 2017 season. Of course, it seems like a logical step for a French team and a French champion to work together, and now finally the deal is done which is certainly positive news. I really will do my best and prepare myself for the maximum because I think it’s more than possible to get some top results in MotoGP after my long experience in the intermediate class."

Team manager Hervé Poncharal added: “After the long wait, I am delighted to announce that Johann Zarco will join the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for next year. We haven’t had the chance to work with a French rider in our MotoGP team since Sylvain Guintoli in 2007 but I am certain that Johann will do a great job. We have been following him closely since he won the rookies cup. Last season was incredible for him and he won the championship in a masterful way."

As his crew chief Zarco will have Guy Coulon.

"We are very confident of this relationship being strong, as we already know that Johann and Guy will have a lot of similar points of view - he continued - In addition, I have to mention Laurent Fellon, his coach, friend and someone who has been on Johann’s side since the beginning of his career. The two of them have brought a new way of working to the sport and their efforts over the years will pay off and I cannot wait to see what he can do on our bike."