We're starting to know a little more about how we got here between Johann Zarco and KTM during an Austrian Grand Prix that was as hectic on the track as it was behind the scenes. A couple who had to grow up together for two years. But osmosis could not take place and the duo began to harm each other, without knowing their will. Pit Beirer, the sporting director of the Mattighofen brand, recounts the decisive moment when his driver admitted wanting to stop everything. A poignant moment...
A revelation made in the columns of Speedweek. Pete Beirer tell : " terminating the contract after a year or two is not entirely our own decision. Johann wanted a date Saturday night with Mike Leitner and me. We were already surprised, because the weather was a bit unusual for a short briefing ».
« He was tense and sitting in front of us with tears in his eyes and he told us that he wanted to get out of the contract. We didn't have much room to discuss anything, although we always had ambitions to break this impasse with him. But his decision was clear, irrevocable and truly sad ».
Beirer keep on going : " we also wanted to help him so that he could free himself from this situation. We didn't want to overload it. But he really wanted to break the contract. Johann said he would accept a penalty. At one point, he even offered us his final salary to get out of the contract » declared the race director KTM. " It was an insane discussion that impressed us greatly. It was really cruel how Johann sat there as a human being. On the other hand, his sporting situation is understandable. Johann considers us a valley from which he can no longer escape. He wants to realign himself for the future. We must take note ».
