Hafizh Syahrin Confirmed at Tech3 Yamaha For 2018
Rennie Scaysbrook | February 21, 2018
Hafizh Syahrin Confirmed at Tech3 Yamaha For 2018—Hafizh Syahrin will make MotoGP history by becoming the first Malaysian rider to compete in MotoGP this year after it was confirmed he will replace Jonas Folger in the Monster Energy Tech3 team.
It’s been a long run for Malaysia to get a rider into MotoGP, with Syahrin finally getting the “yes” from Tech3 Yamaha.
Hafizh Syahrin Confirmed at Tech3 Yamaha For 2018
Syahrin’s place in the Tech3 outfit was dependent on a good showing at the Thailand MotoGP test last week, with the Malaysian impressing team boss Herve Poncharal sufficiently to be confirmed as a full-time rider alongside incumbent Johann Zarco in 2018.
In his first ever test aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1, Syahrin ended the test in P22 of 24 and only 1.7 seconds off the fastest lap time set by Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team).
“I’m incredibly delighted after receiving the good news that I will ride with Monster Yamaha Tech3 in 2018,” says Syahrin. “Following three very interesting and great days of testing in Buriram, where I learned a lot, I want to thank my crew again, especially Nico and Maxime, but also Johann and Laurent for their advice. In just a short time, I really learned to fully control a MotoGP bike, which is still unbelievable for me. I’ll try to do my best and will give all I have this year. I want to thank Hervé, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Monster and the entire Tech3 team to believe in me and giving me this fantastic opportunity to compete full season in MotoGP. I’m just overwhelmed!”
The Malaysian MotoGP is always a massive event, but it’ll be even bigger with a homegrown rider in the main event.
Team Manager Herve Poncharal had already stated his wish to keep the Malaysian – and is now happy the deal is done: “I’m really happy to announce that Hafizh Syahrin will be the second Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider alongside Johann Zarco. It’s been a tough time since we heard from Jonas Folger, that unfortunately, he decided not to race in 2018 in order to look after his health and try to fully recover.
“I am very honored and proud to give him this chance and I know this is going to be something historical because it’s the first time that a Malaysian rider is racing a full season on a MotoGP
