Valentino Rossi has increased my popularity he's a MotoGP idol Yamaha star Johann Zarco

The Frenchman is beginning to make a name for himself in MotoGP after proving his worth in the Moto2 World Championships.

Zarco still has some way to go before he can claim he is as famous as his Yamaha team-mate and racing icon Rossi.

The Italian is at the opposite end of his career on two wheels, and could well call time on his riding future this year.

But Zarco admits he's still the man everyone takes notice of.

“When Rossi speaks, everyone listens," he told French outlet L'Equipe.

“Every time he's talked about me, whether positive or negative, he's increased my popularity”

Johann Zarco

"It's he who makes the other riders famous.

"At the start of the championship he said that I was still more used to the scrappy Moto2 riding style, while towards the end he said I was one of the best in terms of speed.

"Every time he's talked about me, whether positive or negative, he's increased my popularity.

“I still see him a little like the idol."

Once Rossi decides to retire from the sport, Zarco will be bidding to become one of Yamaha's regular riders alongside Spaniard Maverick Vinales.

But the 27-year-old admits his future does not depend on Rossi's decision.

"It's up to me to convince them, by trying to finish ahead of the factory riders," he added.

"In any case, my career won't depend on Valentino's decision”.

The MotoGP season returns on March 18 in Qatar.

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