Johann Zarco Is The Wrench In Yamaha’s Plans MotoGP Photo Gallery

From the first lap of the first race of the 2017 MotoGP season at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3’s Johann Zarco was clearly something special. The soft-spoken, mercurial Frenchman is at once cerebral with an uncannily aggressive-yet-smooth, tire-saving riding style that makes him a unique figure in the paddock.

Not only did Zarco garner three podiums and win the award for rookie of the year, but he finished the season as the top independent rider. This consistency, which helped him achieve back-to-back Moto2 titles, was coming to fore by season’s end when he had four front-row starts in the final four races, including a pole at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan.

Zarco finished ahead of the two factory Movistar Yamaha teammates, Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi, in no fewer than four races, which will consternate Yamaha HQ as it tries to figure out how to win the 2018 MotoGP title.