Malaysian racing driver Hafizh Syahrin has officially joined the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP team, Malay Mail reported today.
He can be the primary rider from Southeast Asia to compete in the highest class of bike racing.
Hafizh will race for the MotoGP team this season, replacing the sick German Jonas Folger.
Reuters reported that the team announced the signing of the Moto2 rider on February 21. The 23-year-old will partner French rider Johann Zarco, becoming the primary full-time MotoGP rider from his country.
“It has been a difficult time since we heard from Jonas Folger that he has unfortunately decided not to race in 2018 in order to look after his health and try to make a full recovery,” team manager Herve Poncharal said in a press release.
“Finding the appropriate person was an extended process.
“In Sepang I met (Malaysian circuit boss) Razlan Razali, we just talked and every now and then you have crazy ideas and sometimes they bring the best results.”
Syahrin has three podium finishes in Moto2, together with his best result being second place in last yr’s San Marino Grand Prix. He finished tenth within the championship and was set to proceed with the Razali-led team.
Last week he tested in Thailand with the independent team Tech3.
Razali called the signing “the biggest announcement and achievement for a Malaysian rider after more than 26 years of hosting MotoGP in Malaysia.”
“It is also fantastic news for the Asian region,” the Malaysian added.
“I actually have to thank Herve Poncharal for this chance, his faith and trust in Hafizh. Now we’ll put Hafizh under excellent care in order that he can turn into a greater, competitive and complete MotoGP rider.”
The season starts in Qatar on March 18.
Report by Alan Baldwin from Reuters
Source: The Malay Mail and Reuters
