Frenchman Zarco set to retain Moto2 world title in Sepang

JOHANN Zarco of Ajo Motorsport is set to become the first rider to retain the Moto2 world title since the introduction of the intermediate class in 2010.

Sitting 22 points clear at the top, the Frenchman will start at the Sepang International Circuit with a great chance of clinching his second Moto2 world title on Sunday.

Zarco has 226 points while closest challenger Thomas Luthi (Garage Plus Interwetten) of Switzerland has 204. Spain’s Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP40) is a further three points adrift.

To retain his world title, Zarco only needs to carry a 25-point lead from Sepang into the final round in Valencia, Spain, in two weeks’ time.

Zarco could not finish off the job at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Phillip Island last Sunday after managing only 12th spot to add four points to his tally.

The Frenchman admitted that Phillip Island has never been a favourite of his and that’s why he is looking forward to Sepang, where he has been on the podium twice.

Zarco won the Moto2 race last year and was third on the 125cc in 2011.

“We come into the final round of the Asian treble first in the standings and with three riders battling for the title in the final two races,” said Zarco.

“Sepang is a very nice track ... where I normally go fairly well.

“We will have to work hard since the track has been resurfaced ... we will have to see how the tyres behave.

“We have the first opportunity to take the title and this motivates me a lot.

“I’m happy to have this chance in Malaysia and I’ll do my best win.”