Moto2 champion Zarco seals 2017 Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP graduation

The French rider's deal with the satellite team was confirmed on the eve of the German Grand Prix, Tech3 having already indicated it would field an all-rookie line-up in 2017.

He has been signed for one year initially, with an option for a second.

Zarco joins German Jonas Folger, the Moto2 pair replacing the KTM-bound Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro.

"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," said Zarco.

"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."

Team manager Herve Poncharal was also particularly pleased to have a French rider in the fold again.

"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," he said.

"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.

"The best pages of the Tech3 history book have been written by French riders and include Olivier Jacque, who won the 250cc title, with Dominique Sarron, Jean-Philippe Ruggia and Sylvain Guintoli all achieving success as well, so I am sure Johann can add to this list."

Zarco shares the Moto2 points lead with Alex Rins and Sam Lowes is just five points behind, and with Rins joining Suzuki and Lowes Aprilia, the three title rivals will step up to MotoGP at the same time.

Suzuki had an option on Zarco for next year, and he tested its GSX-RR in Japan, but it opted for Rins for its second factory ride alongside Andrea Iannone and 2018 now looks more likely for any satellite expansion.

With all of the factory deals done, satellite rides on the 2017 MotoGP are all also largely accounted for.

2017 MOTOGP GRID SO FAR
Yamaha: Valentino Rossi, Maverick Vinales
Honda: Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa
Ducati: Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso
Suzuki: Andrea Iannone, Alex Rins
KTM: Bradley Smith, Pol Espargaro
Aprilia: Sam Lowes, Aleix Espargaro
Tech3 Yamaha: Jonas Folger, Johann Zarco
LCR Honda: Cal Crutchlow
Marc VDS Honda: Jack Miller, TBC

Yet to announce riders: Pramac Ducati, Avintia Ducati, Aspar Ducati