Johann Zarco will replace Takaaki Nakagami at LCR Honda for the final three rounds of 2019, as the Japanese rider undergoes surgery on his injured shoulder.
Nakagami has suffered with a similar shoulder problem to that of Marc Marquez last year, which saw the recently crowned world champion unable to train throughout the winter heading into the ’19 season.
Keen to avoid a similar layoff time, the decision has been taken for Nakagami to undergo corrective surgery following next weekend’s Japanese grand prix at Motegi so he can improve sufficiently as to not affect his preparations for next year, with this confirmed-as well as a one year contract extension for Nakagami-on Monday.
He will miss the final three races in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia as a result, thus allowing the recently axed Zarco to earn a MotoGP race reprieve.
He will compete on the same year-old RC213-V that Nakagami has used, allowing Honda to evaluate the Frenchman on their own machinery ahead of a potential programme next year, particularly poignant if Jorge Lorenzo’s struggles continue.
“What an opportunity to have the last few races of the season on the LCR Honda IDEMITSU bike,” said Zarco.
“I’m really thankful to have this chance, and I will do my best to pick up some good results and to enjoy the time, because these could be the last three races I can do for a while.
“I would like to thank KTM for releasing me so that I can do these races on another bike. Let’s see what I can do. First of all I know that I will enjoy the Phillip Island track, it’s a fast circuit and I think the feeling could be good.
“We’ll cross our fingers that it can be, and we will see what is possible. The target is to ride at a good pace, and rediscover some of the good feeling I’ve had before.”
Lucio Ceccinello, LCR team principle, added;
“Obviously we are very sorry that Nakagami is forced to miss the last three races of this season, but on the other hand we know that injuries are part and parcel of this sport.
“I proposed to HRC Director Tetsuhiro Kuwata and Team Manager Alberto Puig the idea of engaging Zarco as our replacement rider and they gave me their approval.
“When I contacted Zarco he immediately showed interest and together we worked on every step of this project that will conclude in Valencia.
“From our side we will ensure maximum effort to support Johann, a rider who has shown immense talent and professionalism in his racing career.”
Zarco moved to the KTM factory squad for ’19 after two successful years riding for then Yamaha satellite team Tech 3, securing a total of six podium finishes and four pole positions over that period.
He struggled significantly to adapt to the RC16 though, and asked KTM after the Austrian grand prix to cancel his contract to remain with them through ’20.
Having accepted his resignation, KTM then replaced him with test rider Mika Kallio with a view to evaluate the Finn for a potential full campaign next year, initially leaving Zarco to eye up a test role with Yamaha before a race return for ’21 before his late call up for LCR and Honda.
Nakagami meanwhile has put in a strong sophomore year performance for LCR, currently sitting on over double the points scored through the entirety of last season-while also securing his best ever result of fifth at Mugello.
