KTM Boss attacks Johann Zarco MotoGP form

KTM boss Stefan Pierer has labelled new Moto GP signing Johann Zarco’s performance so far in the 2019 season as simply unacceptable and suggested his current struggles are psychological in nature. Zarco, contesting his first season with the Austrian manufacturer, ended the Jerez race in 14th to bring his 2019 points tally to just seven points – despite having scored in all four races. The Frenchman was in a more positive mindset arriving to Spain after making progress in a private test at Le Mans, but was seen furious in an FP1 debrief with his KTM crew on Friday. He went on to finish the race a place behind teammate Pol Espargaro "Johann's performance is simply unacceptable," Pierer told Autosport in an exclusive interview. "He's having issues, but it's a psychological thing of his own. Recently he split with his lifelong agent [Laurent Fellon], the man who placed him where he currently is. The people surrounding him now are creating more complications than anything else. At this level of competition, the last step is always psychological. Besides, he has to accept that our bike isn't a Yamaha, with its inline four cylinders [as opposed to KTM's V4 engine configuration]. I myself will push him until he delivers at the level appropriate to our goals, that is for sure."

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