Marco Bezzecchi
Johann Zarco has suggested that Barry Baltus may be a surprise candidate for a MotoGP seat with Yamaha in 2027.
The 2027 MotoGP rider market has gone into overdrive ahead of the start of the 2026 MotoGP Championship, and a surprise Moto2 rider has now come into contention.
Current Aspar Moto2 riders David Alonso and Dani Holgado, have been linked to rides in MotoGP, as well as the 2025 runner-up Manuel Gonzalez.
However, current MotoGP rider Johann Zarco has thrown another name into the mix that has not been mentioned.
Which 2026 Moto2 rider deserves to be on the MotoGP grid?
Barry Baltus is on the ‘path’ to becoming a Yamaha MotoGP rider
After finishing third in the 2025 Moto2 standings, Barry Baltus has been suggested by Johann Zarco as a future MotoGP rider.
Zarco himself started his MotoGP career with Yamaha when he signed for Tech3 in 2017. The Frenchman now believes Baltus could follow in his footsteps.
With links between Fantic, Baltus’ current Moto2 team, and Yamaha due to Éric de Seynes, a move for Baltus to Yamaha could be organised by Seynes.
When asked what Baltus needs to do to secure a MotoGP ride in the future, he added, “I think that competing for a Moto2 title, beyond just winning, adds real value for MotoGP teams.
“It proves consistency, and so on. He’s made a big step forward and he’ll be there this year. You can’t say he’s lacking anything. He’s following a normal progression, you could say.”
Zarco believes Baltus could end up with Yamaha in the future, where the Frenchman also started his MotoGP career, “Since Éric de Seynes took over Fantic, we’ve been saying that maybe his path will lead him more towards Yamaha. It’s just casual talk, but why not?
“That said, if he has a bad season and isn’t in contention for the title, he won’t get a contract. But since he’s serious in training and has real talent, because he’s strong on the bike, I’m confident. He’s developing well, even on the 1000cc bikes; they’re fast. I honestly think he’ll manage his season well.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Johann Zarco from career stats to net worth
Johann Zarco will be on the MotoGP grid with Honda in 2027
Although the majority of the 2027 MotoGP grid is still unknown due to the amount of contracts that will expire at the end of 2026, Johann Zarco’s future is known.
The two-time Moto2 World Champion will remain on the MotoGP grid with LCR Honda after signing an extension for the 2026 and 2027 seasons with the team.
However, it has been revealed that a lot of the bosses at the Honda Racing Corporation were not involved in Zarco’s contract extension and are not happy that he will be with the manufacturer in 2027.
Former HRC boss, Livio Suppo has also stated that he would not have re-signed Zarco for two seasons, due to his age and MotoGP records.
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