Although for Mwah, I-T were Over A long time ago,
especially since it's so G-Damn Hard to follow these days Stateside anymore...
Not really sure why I was even inclined to
search for news about my current Numero Uno MotoGP Kneedragger' Johann Zarco Wayback
a Fortnight before Halloween. But was ultra surprised by the results that
popped up on Ye "Intrawoods'," nee Internetz'.
As I'll confess I was totally unawares' that
Zarco had been Dismissed from his Factory ride by KTM midway thru the 2019 MotoGP
Season; Huh?
And only became aware of this when
inadvertently stumblin' upon the news that Johann was being given a life-line
by LCR Honda as Rookie Takaaki
Nakagami's substitute for the final three races of the
year. As the Japanese Rider would be undergoing season ending shoulder surgery
after his Home race.
As this spawned much Scuttlebutt, including
Thee Doctor', nee Valentino Rossi saying that Zarco appeared to be giving up a future
Yamahopper' test rider opportunity in favour of aligning himself as Jorge
Lorenzo's replacement at rivals Repsol Honda next year.
Whilst you'd have to think that Yamaha Rookie Satellite
Rider Fabio
Quartararo is All the rage right now for future Yamaha Works inclusion,
Eh?
Thus I casually followed Zarco's return,
noting he was outpacing Lorenzo, even if on an inferior Scooter', albeit the
Honda RC 213V wasn't noted to enjoy Johan's smooth riding style. And then Zarco
was injured in a Freak Crash at the Season Finale, which once again I was
totally unawares' of...
Yet the final round at Valencia saw the Media
Centre in Ah-Tizzy' upon Jorge Lorenzo's "Shock" Retirement Announcement
on the Thursday of the MotoGP Race Weekend.
This led to rampant out of control
speculation upon who'd become Marc Marquez's new team-mate for 2020? With Zarco
a leading contender.
Yet I must say it's a curious choice to Mwah,
even if he's now the reigning Moto2 Champion, but seriously?
As this announcement seemingly left Johann
Zarco without a MotoGP ride for next year, especially after the Frenchman lambasted
the one lone possibility, Reale Avintia Racing by claiming he'd rather return
to Moto2! Specifically to the Mark VDS seat vacated by Alex Marquez.
Although Mark VDS has subsequently announced Augusto Fernandez as
Alex Marquez's replacement next year, meaning the Zarco to Avintia MotoGP seat
is the worst kept secret currently...
Yet Zarco has since Backtracked after being
spotted talking to Ducati Bosses, and then the Door to Avintia was thrown wide
open with the Team's Sacking of current rider Karel Abraham, who was None to Impressed over his Firing,
and has since announced his retirement.
Thus, we're just left Ah-waitin' the public
confirmation that Zarco will indeed return to MotoGP for 2020 aboard the
Satellite Duc', albeit he'll be riding a 2019 Spec Desmosedici GP19 Scooter.
Whilst perhaps in waiting to a Call-up to the
Factory Squad in 2021 as Danilo
Petrucci's replacement? Although Pramac's Jack Miller
might have something to say 'bout that himself, Eh?
Meanwhile, Inquiring Minds wanna Know, is it
finally time for Thee Doctor to hang up his racing leathers?
