MotoGP | Stefan Pierer (KTM): “Zarco a big disappointment”

MotoGP – We are only at the fifth round of the 2019 MotoGP but it seems that the relationship between KTM and Johann Zarco is already severely compromised.

In truth, sparks never seem to have struck between the French driver and the Austrian manufacturer. Already from the very first winter tests in Valencia the two-time Moto2 World Champion seemed very skeptical about the RC16 project, certainly young but not up to the competition. The other winter tests and the first races of the season then did nothing but confirm the difficulties of the #5 who, on the occasion of the Jerez GP, let slip some unflattering words about the bike in front of the cameras. The CEO of KTM, Stefan Pierer, did not take the criticism very well and in an interview with the German website Speedweek.com he spoke very highly of Pol Espargarò and Miguel Oliveira, but harshly criticized Zarco.

“Pol is in good spirits, in good health and is doing a good job. This is very positive. I am also very happy with the newcomer Miguel Oliveira who is growing rapidly with KTM. That's why we extended his contract immediately. A big disappointment, however, is Johann. It really hurts me, because we hired him so that with Pol they would push themselves to improve. But it's the opposite. We hired Johann with the intention of supporting Pol so we could get to the top of the leaderboard with two top riders. But now Pol is alone while the other is a problem case who is overcome by a newbie. We will do everything we can to help Zarco this year, new material has been provided to him and more will come. But if this doesn't work either, we'll see what to do at the end of the season."

We remind you that Zarco has a two-year contract, until 2020, with KTM, but at the moment even a premature separation seems to be possible.