Johann Zarco makes Suzuki MotoGP debut

Reigning Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco has made his MotoGP debut during a private test for Suzuki (see picture below).

The Frenchman, who is also in Japan to prepare for July's Suzuka 8 Hours, had confirmed the test during last month's Le Mans round, when he stated:

"It's a nice opportunity to test the [MotoGP] Suzuki in Japan and also they asked me if I can do the 8-Hours Endurance race at Suzuka.

"I've never been, so I say yes because I like to train on the [GSX-R) road bike and it's good to try this race and be part of Suzuki for this.

"I hope to be with Suzuki in 2017 and it's part of the job this summer to prove what I can do. We will test with Suzuki, but it doesn't mean that I have a place with them [in MotoGP] for next year."

Indeed, despite having an option with Suzuki, the latest rumours suggest Moto2 rival Alex Rins will join Andrea Iannone on the factory GSX-RRs next season. Zarco is thus tipped to fill the vacancy at Tech 3 - although any such deal can only be agreed once he has been released from the Suzuki option.