Johann Zarco will pilot a Ducati Desmosedici GP19 in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship as he officially joins Reale Avintia Racing.

The Frenchman is understood to have signed directly with the Italian manufacturer, which will see increased backing and technical assistance brought to the independent squad.

The one-year deal comes as a lifeline for Zarco, who quit his two-year contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing not even one season in this year before scoring a fill-in ride at LCR Honda for the final three rounds.

“I am very pleased to officially announce my signature with Ducati for 2020 season in MotoGP category racing in the Reale Avintia Racing team,” Zarco commented. “My left ankle is recovering well, I can enjoy now my winter time having rest with family and training again very soon.”

Team owner Raul Romero added: “I am really happy and excited with the arrival of a great rider like Johann Zarco to our team from the hand of Ducati. This further strengthens the growth of the team after extending the contract with the manufacturer of Borgo Panigale, making a leap of quality in terms of material by becoming a satellite team.

“All this package will allow to reflect in the circuits the effort of the structure in the last years. We hope to see Johann and Tito assiduously in the top 10 and become a reference team soon. Finally, we would like to thank all our sponsors for their efforts in recent years, without them this would not have been possible.”

Zarco will join Tito Rabat next season, fulfilling the position vacated by Karel Abraham.