MotoGP: Zarco to leave Avintia in 2021; Bastianini 99% confirmed as replacement

Ruben Xaus has today confirmed that Johann Zarco will not ride for the Avintia squad in 2021, leaving the door open for Moto2 title contender Enea Bastianini to step up.

This news means Zarco will ride for either Pramac, or the full Factory Ducati squad depending on which rider they choose to promote, either Zarco or Pecco Bagnaia. The announcement of the full Ducati lineup will be finalised by Catalunya.

Bastianini will step up having become a major force in Moto2, dicing for the championship so far this season and impressing many. He will move up on a Ducati contract, not an Avintia contract. It is not yet known if he will receive current machinery, or the previous year’s a la Zarco this season.

Enea Bastianini currently sits in 2nd place in the Moto2 standings, just 8 points behind championship leader Luca Marini. Bastianini already has two Moto2 race wins to his name along with 3 Moto3 wins, he also finished the 2015 and 2016 Moto3 seasons in third then second overall.

Featured image- www.motogp.com