The factory KTM MotoGP team has confirmed it will field Johann Zarco in 2019, after the Frenchman agreed a two-year deal with the Austrian marque.
Zarco stepped up to the premier class last year as the reigning double Moto2 world champion, and impressed immediately on the Tech3 Yamaha, leading the opening six laps of the Qatar Grand Prix before crashing.
He would go on to secure two pole positions and three podium finishes to end the campaign sixth overall and as top rookie.
Zarco has been linked with a move to KTM for some time, though was reportedly courted by Repsol Honda to partner Marc Marquez.
“There has always been a good contact with Johann and since the Red Bull Rookies Cup,” KTM boss Pit Beirer said.
“We supported the Moto2 project through [suspension manufacturer] WP and our Moto3 Team Manager Aki Ajo is a good friend of him.
“We also have a nice connection with his manager Laurent Fellon. It was a group effort to get this done.
“We had to trust in our capability to build a winning bike and Johann would not come over if he did not see and feel that trust.
“We feel very responsible now to get that package strong enough so that he can continue on the level where he is. It is our big target.”
Beirer added: “It is clear that we want to take another step in MotoGP. The first two years were about building up the project and to get everything running.
“You always want to get the best possible riders on board and it’s obvious with Johann beating the factory guys on satellite machinery and consistently qualifying on the front row means he is a strong fighter with a strong sprit.
“I’m convinced we can reach the next level with a rider like Johann with us.”
Zarco – who has prior with KTM in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, in which he was champion in 2007 – will partner Pol Espargaro at the factory KTM squad next year, who announced a similar two-year deal to remain with the team on Wednesday.
The Frenchman's current Tech3 team will also join the Austrian marque's fold in 2019, becoming a factory-supported KTM satellite team for at least the next three seasons.
Zarco's signing leaves current KTM runner Bradley Smith, who joined the Austrian team with Espargaro from Tech3 last season, without a ride for next year, with a lack of options casting doubt over whether he will even line up on the MotoGP grid in '19 for his seventh premier class campaign.
