KTM has this morning confirmed that Johann Zarco will not continue as a factory rider into the 2020 season after asking to be released from his contract.

The 29 year old joined KTM towards the end of 2018 after his second term in MotoGP and for his first with full-factory support. Zarco tried to adapt his riding style to the KTM RC16 and the team tried relentlessly to mould the #5 machine to the Frenchman’s wishes and requirements.

“Ultimately both Johann and the team decided not to proceed with their joint project for 2020 and will now focus on giving the maximum for the final eight rounds and remaining months of MotoGP 2019,” said a statement.

It is believed that Zarco went to KTM management yesterday and asked for some way to be found for him to get out of his deal which was due to go on until the end of next year.

There is little scope for him to find another ride in the premier class but it does mean that Miguel Oliveira might get promoted to the works team a year early and Jorge Martin could find himself in the Tech3 satellite squad next season.