Johann Zarco’s raw speed and undoubted class as a competitive MotoGP racer has proven to be the lure for KTM to make a move to lock the Frenchman into a two-year deal from 2019.

The KTM plan for next year accelerated at the Texas GP, where Zarco was targeted to join incumbent team man Pol Espargaro. KTM’s ambition to be a winning team requires the presence of a podium-level rider to understand the competitive position of their innovative, tube-framed V4-engined racer.

Zarco fits the bill rather than a high-profile, high-pressure choice of a superstar such as four-time world MotoGP champ Marc Marquez.

“Zarco is the only rider I’m really interested in,” said KTM chairman Stefan Pierer. “If Marc Marquez won on a KTM it would be the rider, and if he gets beaten it would be because of my motorcycle.”

Zarco’s talent first showed itself to the factory a decade ago as the winner of the 2007 Rookies Cup on a KTM.

It now appears Zarco has rejected an approach from Suzuki, which spoilt its chances by not going ahead with an option with the Frenchman two years ago.

And talks of a Zarco-HRC link are considered a long shot, given that Honda’s sole focus is on golden boy Marquez, who has won the squad four of the past five world championships.

Zarco, Qatar MotoGP 2018

By Colin Young