KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer wants to see his 2019 MotoGP signing Johann Zarco return to normal form as the Austrian manufacturer admits the Tech 3 Yamaha rider’s recent slump has not been nice to see.
Zarco made a stunning start to his second MotoGP season at Tech 3 Yamaha, starting on the front row at the opening five rounds and claiming two second-places.
However, the former Moto2 champion has been absent from the podium since falling at Le Mans, causing him to drop from second to eight with 123 points in the world championship.
It took ten races for Johann Zarco to return to the right path and reintegrate well the top 5. The road was very long, alternating between hope and disillusionment. Worse, the bottom was hit in Aragon where he finished fourteenth.
Thailand, with its layout of Buriram, had a saving effect on Zarco. He finished fifth, suggesting this little light out of crisis, heralding the best to come. And that’s good, because in Austria, rumor ran that KTM was worried about the poor results of the Frenchman.
“The summer was complicated for Johann Zarco, we cannot say that we liked it. But it was a necessary evil, because in Buriram, he showed that he was a real competitor, it reassured us. We still believe in him, he is a talented talent rider.” Beirer said.
“Compared to now, our goal is to be more efficient with him from the first test in Valencia. We are working to make sure that the 2019 bike is better than the 2018 version, and you’ll see it: when it gets on the bike, we’ll see it right away.” Beirer added.
Johann Zarco has managed two podiums this season, (Source:www.eurosport.co.uk)
Zarco will have to adapt his style to the KTM almost certainly. Moving to KTM is a gamble for the 28-year-old rider. But its seemingly infinite backing from title sponsor Red Bull, the fact there will be four RC16s on the 19 grid to help accelerate development.
“For sure it was not nice to see him struggle and I think it’s no secret that he had some things going on between him and his friend and manager Laurent.” Beirer said.
“But it looks like things are now sorted out and I hope he is coming back to his normal form, because the stronger he can end this year for sure the better it is for us.” the German added.
