Zarco handed Suzuki MotoGP test chance
Reigning Moto2 champion Johann Zarco has confirmed he has been handed a MotoGP test outing with Suzuki amid the Frenchman being linked to a 2017 ride with the Japanese manufacturer.
The first pieces of the rider market puzzle fell into place in Qatar, as Valentino Rossi signed a fresh deal to remain at Yamaha for another two seasons and Bradley Smith was named as KTM's first rider.
Zarco was then linked to a Suzuki seat, with one of the team's existing riders Maverick Vinales expected to be in high demand - the Spaniard admitting he had offers from nearly "every" manufacturer.
Speaking to Motorsport.com ahead of the Argentina race weekend, Zarco did little to downplay such talk, confirming that a Suzuki test has been arranged for the summer.
"[Suzuki] give me the opportunity to do test with the MotoGP this year, partly in Japan and partly in Europe," said Zarco. "This is a very good chance.
"But they say: 'First of all, be focused on the Moto2 season'. Now it's up to me to be good enough when I can test the MotoGP bike and show that I can deserve the ride for the year after.
"MotoGP is a dream. The first target is Moto2 this season, and I know that if I win this category people in MotoGP will see it and will give me a very good package for 2017."
Addressing speculation that his current Ajo Moto2 squad could become a satellite Suzuki operation in 2017, Zarco said he knew of no such plans.
"At the moment, there is only Suzuki official team, and if I get this place it's fantastic," he added. "But this is team business and I know nothing about this."
Asked whether Tech 3 Yamaha could also be an option, Zarco said: "[There has been] nothing about that. Suzuki give me an opportunity and I must respect this.
"So I focus on Moto2 then [I want to be] good on the Suzuki and maybe the dream can come true."
Interview by Federico Faturos
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