ZARCO SET TO SIGN FOR KTM
Imminent signing of Frenchman signals KTM’s bid for long-term MotoGP domination
Austrian firm has big plans to dominate GP racing for years to come
KTM’s plan for world domination is being put into action with Johann Zarco the first piece of the jigsaw about to be put in place.
Already the foremost power in other motorsport disciplines including AMA Supercross, motocross and Dakar, the Austrian firm laying the groundwork for a similar level of success as they scoop up not only Zarco but a whole heap of young talent to grow their success in Moto2 and Moto3. KTM aim to have a steady supply of riders capable of fighting for MotoGP honours in the future.
Long-term strategy
MCN understands that KTM boss Pit Beirer flew to the American GP to ensure Zarco puts pen to paper. The new two-year deal will see the Frenchman leave the Tech3 team despite their switch to KTM satellite machinery for next season.
His departure from Tech3 to the factory KTM team will leave a gap that MCN understands has already been filled. Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 front-runner Miguel Oliveira is expected to be the first of KTM’s Moto2 riders to be signed up for MotoGP.
That then leaves a space in Moto2 with Moto3 title favourite and former Red Bull Rookies Cup champion Jorge Martin looking to move up. He also looks to be joined on KTM Moto2 machinery by another former Rookies Cup
‘Many stars such as Marc Marquez started with KTM 125s’
champion in the shape of Dutchman Bo Bendsneyder. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer said: “Our long-term strategy is to move riders all the way to the top with us. Many big stars have started on KTM 125cc bikes, like Marc Marquez, Casey Stoner, and Maverick Viñales, so the Moto2 team was the next step.
“We need Moto2 to bridge that gap, and it came as a conclusion of having a MotoGP bike. We want to bring up the best riders, and Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira are the perfect example because they’ve always been KTM kids. If they can perform, the door is now open for them.”
Challenging for wins
And while the firm’s MotoGP machinery might not yet be at a championship-winning level, if recent KTM history has shown anything it’s that they’re more than capable of winning in whichever class they target. Another year of development and the talent of Zarco suggests that they’ll be able to challenge for podiums and race wins by the end of 2020.