Source: Supplied.

Monster Yamaha Tech3 has announced defending Moto2 World Champion Johann Zarco will ride for the team in 2017, set to make his premier class debut aboard the YZR-M1 at the post-season Valencia test.

The 25-year-old Frenchman will partner Jonas Folger in an all-new Tech3 line-up, with both Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro heading to the factory Red Bull KTM operation from next season.

“It goes without saying that I am very happy to join the MotoGP class with Tech3 and I am confident that we can form a solid partnership,” Zarco commented. “The team has a deep relationship and long history with Yamaha and they have proved that they can manage well in every situation and have had a good package year after year.

“This pleases me and it gives me extra motivation for reaching my targets in the 2017 season. Of course, it seems like a logical step for a French team and a French champion to work together, and now finally the deal is done which is certainly positive news.

“I really will do my best and prepare myself for the maximum because I think it’s more than possible to get some top results in MotoGP after my long experience in the intermediate class.”

Monster Yamaha Tech3 team manager Herve Poncharal said: “After the long wait, I am delighted to announce that Johann Zarco will join the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team for next year. We haven’t had the chance to work with a French rider in our MotoGP team since Sylvain Guintoli in 2007, but I am certain that Johann will do a great job.

“We have been following him closely since he won the rookies cup and he has gone on to have further success in the 125cc class and Moto2. Last season was incredible for him and he won the championship in a masterful way. For me, Johann joining the team is a big and exciting challenge and he will be working with Guy Coulon’s side of the garage.”

This year Zarco is looking to seal back-to-back championship wins in the ultra-competitive Moto2 class and will be joined by series rival Folger in the all-new line-up for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team in 2017, with his contract including an option for a second season.