Reigning Moto2 champion Johann Zarco will graduate to the premier class next season with Tech3 Yamaha.
The French rider has signed an initial one-year contract with the satellite Yamaha squad which will see him join the already confirmed Jonas Folger.
Zarco’s arrival confirms an all-rookie Tech3 Yamaha line-up for next season, replacing Bradley Smith and Pol Esparagro, who will join KTM in 2017.
Announced on the eve of this weekend’s German Grand Prix, the Moto2 series leader says the move to the French Tech3 Yamaha team is the next logical step for his career.
“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,” said Zarco.
“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 boss Herve Poncharal is particularly looking forward to working with another French rider.
“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,” said Poncharal.
“We have been following him closely since he won the Rookies Cup and he has gone on to have further success in the 125cc class and Moto2.
“Last season was incredible for him and he won the championship in a masterful way.
“The best pages of the Tech3 history book have been written by French riders and include Olivier Jacque, who won the 250cc title, with Dominique Sarron, Jean-Philippe Ruggia and Sylvain Guintoli all achieving success as well, so I am sure Johann can add to this list.”
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