Former KTM rider Johann Zarco will race for LCR Honda in three MotoGP rounds as a replacement fro injured Takaaki Nakagami.
Following his time with Yamaha, Zarco switched to KTM at the start of 2019 MotoGP season. The results, though, didn’t come. As the season progressed, the bridge only widened with Zarco eventually deciding to not continue beyond 2019.
He raced in few grand prix post the announcement but KTM pulled the plug and drafted Mika Kallio in his place, while Zarco remained in contract. He was, however, given free reign to join any other MotoGP team if the call comes for 2019.
And so it happened with LCR Honda. With Nakagami suffering a shoulder injury after his fall at Assen, it was decided that he will undergo a surgery post the Japanese GP at Twin Ring Motegi, thereby missing the last three rounds of the 2019 MotoGP.
It was confirmed on Tuesday along with a one-year contract extension in 2020. A day later, LCR Honda announced Zarco as his replacement for the races in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia (Spain), with the Frenchman to make his Honda RC213V debut.
“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.” At the same time, LCR Honda team principal Lucio Cecchinello 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.” As mentioned, the project is only for three rounds in 2019 so far, whether they continue in other role beyond, it is to seen.
Here’s details of Takaaki Nakagami’s contract extension
