Zarco 'will make KTM, Espargaro better'

KTM motorsports director Pit Beirer is sure the factory's new 2019 MotoGP signing Johann Zarco 'will make us better'.

And that includes helping team-mate Pol Espargaro 'use his full potential'.

In return, Beirer believes Zarco can pick things up from Espargaro's 'talent'.

"I really hope that Johann can go back to the level he's been, at his best, and he will make us better, that's for sure," Beirer said. "And I think with Pol, especially lately, we saw some things he was doing where I'm not 100% happy and we need to talk about it.

"I really see [Pol] is absolutely not using his full potential. If a rider just doesn't have more talent and he cannot go faster, we will never tell him, 'go faster' because he will crash or something.

"But I think in the surrounding and preparation of a race, Pol can do better. And he needs to do better because like this he will always hit the roof on the same level and I'm sure Pol could be a really, really top rider.

"If you hear how much Johann is preparing and how much he is training, I think this can be really beneficial [for Pol]. On the other side, how talented Pol can use a bike and do some corners just completely crazy could help Johann's side.

"So we hope it will lift the level in the team from both sides."

Espargaro is currently recovering from shoulder and back injuries from a practice accident at Brno, which Beirer felt was caused by backing off on the previous lap.

"I think it was a mistake to let the bike cool down and then do a flying lap," Beirer said. "Riding a MotoGP bike slow is more dangerous than fast. He paid a high price."

Zarco meanwhile made a stunning start to his second MotoGP season at Tech3 Yamaha, starting on the front row at the opening five rounds and claiming two second-places. However he has been absent from the podium since falling at Le Mans in May, causing him to drop from second to seventh in the world championship.

"For sure it was not nice to see him struggle and I think it's no secret that he had some things going on between him and his friend and manager Laurent," Beirer said. "But it looks like things are now sorted out and I hope he is coming back to his normal form, because the stronger he can end this year for sure the better it is for us."

Espargaro's current team-mate Bradley Smith, who will lose his seat to Zarco, is yet to announce his 2019 plans. Beirer confirmed Smith is on the shortlist for a second test rider alongside the likes Dani Pedrosa and Jonas Folger.