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Moto2 Champion Johann Zarco Rumored to Ride with Suzuki in MotoGP Next Year

French rider Johann Zarco is said to be the next target of Davide Brivio, allegedly looking for a new factory rider for one of the two Suzuki Ecstar bikes on the MotoGP grid.
One of Johann Zarco's famous backflips that accompany his victories 16 photos
Photo: motogp.com
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These are only the first rumors at the opening of the 2016 season, and they reportedly come from sources that are close to the MotoGP paddock. Apparently, the 2015 Moto2 World Champion is on the "wanted" list of more premier class teams that are eyeing getting their hands on a young, talented rider.

In 2015, Zarco amassed eight wins, five second places, and one third, plus seven poles. He stepped into Grand Prix racing in 2009, in the 125cc class, after becoming the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner in 2007.

His exceptional riding in Moto2 last year secured his title by the Japan round, while his 352 points set a new record for the intermediate class. For 2016, Johann Zarco continues his collaboration with Aki Ajo's Ajo Motorsport, attempting to become back to back champions this year.

What happens with Suzuki's riders?

Of course, the future of Suzuki's Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales is one of the most interesting subjects when it comes to speculations. If anything, Vinales, the Rookie of the Year in 2015, is becoming better and better and seems to enjoy Suzuki's new machine quite a lot.

In Free Practice 1 in Qatar, Vinales was fifth, whereas his teammate was only 16th. The younger of the two Spaniards is, in fact, credited to become an "alien," as his results are improving gradually.

Still, whether Suzuki will be able to retain him after 2016 is a complete mystery, especially because a lot of big contracts will expire at the end of the season, and the teams will try to secure the best hands for their bikes. Vinales is said to be courted by other manufacturers, with Yamaha and Ducati on the list as well.

A multiple CRT champion, Aleix Espargaro sort of failed to impress aboard the Suzuki factory bike, at least not to the extent many of us hoped he would. Seeing Hamamatsu replacing him is not such a wild speculation, especially if his results don't improve this year.

Will we get to see Zarco's backflips in MotoGP? Maybe, just maybe... Fact is Rossi and Pedrosa will not be with Suzuki!
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