First Malaysian Rider for MotoGP Replaces Yamaha Tech3’s Jonas Folger

Ever since Jonas Folger announced that he would not be participating in the 2018 MotoGP season, the whole of Yamaha Tech3 Racing Team have been looking for the best replacement for the German.

After having evaluated a list of available riders, the team was happy and proud to announce that Hafizh Syahrin will be riding alongside Johann Zarco as their second MotoGP rider.

After having impressed everyone with his rapid progress, his high motivation and his extraordinary learning curve during his first ever test aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 last week in Buriram, Thailand, Monster Yamaha Tech3 is eager to continue the great work together with the talented Malaysian youngster.

SIC Chief Executive Officer, Razlan Rasali said, “The recent test in Buriram was already history made for Hafizh. This official announcement of Hafizh competing the full season with Monster Yamaha Tech3 team is the biggest announcement and achievement for a Malaysian rider after more than 26 years of Malaysia hosting MotoGP. It is also a fantastic news for the Asian region. I must thank Hervé Poncharal for this opportunity, his faith and confidence in Hafizh. We will now hand over Hafizh in his good care for him to be developed into a better, competitive and complete MotoGP rider.”

“I’m incredibly delighted after receiving the good news, that I will ride with Monster Yamaha Tech3 in 2018,” Hafizh Syahrin, Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP Team #55. “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. Thank you to my family, that always supported me to make this dream come true, especially my father, plus thanks to my fans and of course to Razlan. I’m looking forward to test again in Qatar and I’ll be even more motivated. Honestly, I can’t wait for the season to start. I’m just overwhelmed!”