Johann Zarco will make the step up to the Moto2 category next season after the JiR Team confirmed earlier this weekend that the Frenchman will be on one of their MotoBI machines in 2012.
Zarco tested at Valencia on Monday with the team and having finished runner-up in this year’s 125cc World Championship is now ready for the step up. Joining him from the Silverstone round onwards next season will be Brazilian Eric Granado, who will have to wait for his 16th birthday before reaching the required age to compete in the World Championship.
Gianluca Montiron, JiR Team Prinicipal:
“We are very excited about this new adventure that will help us to build a long-term path focused on the ultimate success in this class. Johann has already shown his capabilities, he can rely on his youth and the fact that he has just started his racing career. He is well motivated and well supported by his manager Laurent Fellon.”
“On the other side Eric will benefit of all the time he will need to adapt to a new world of racing, to learn new circuits and to discover Moto2's secrets. We have built up a five-year program that includes his presence in Europe with the combination of his school studies together with racing.”
“I believe that in one's life sometimes daring is necessary and this belief has pushed me to develop this Moto2 plan that will have to be a stepping stone to the premier class. To make this programme grow it will be necessary to have full contribution and co-operation of all the sponsors that are willing to make this pledge for the future beside us.”
Johann Zarco:
“I am happy to be racing next year with Team JiR because it is a team that is already known and has had some very good results. From the meetings I had with the team's management I realised that there are some very ambitious goals that they are aiming for, which is also in line with our expectations of being able to do well in Moto2. It certainly will not be easy, but I am ready to engage with Laurent (Fellon, manager) to work hard and figure out how to be fast on a Moto2 machine. Finally, I am convinced that the JiR Team will give me the opportunity to make good results.”
Eric Granado:
“First of all, I would like to thank Team JiR for the chance of being able to participate in the 2012 season. For me it is a new step and a new stage in my life, I am very excited to ride in the Moto2 class, I know it is a very competitive category and with very experienced riders, however it pleases me very much to get this chance. Next year I want to be able to learn a lot with my new team and to improve my level and capability day-by-day , therefore I have much more yet to learn, as I am inexperienced in this category but I am certain that with hard work and devotion, I will adapt well to the MotoBI. I am super confident for next season and we will all work very hard together, mainly in the pre-season, because it will be essential for my development and relationship with Team JiR for my start in the Championship.”