For the upcoming official MotoGP test in Thailand, in Buriram, Monster Yamaha Tech3 is calling on the services of Hafizh Syahrin.
Only 23 years old, the Malaysian rider already has four years of experience in Moto2 and now feels more than ready to take his first steps in the premier category of motorcycle racing. After three days of exciting testing at the very first stage of the MotoGP category, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team and its partners will evaluate the newcomer's performance in order to decide on possible permanent participation for the 2018 season.
Hafiz Syahrin : “First of all, I would like to thank Hervé Poncharal for giving me this opportunity, and of course the entire Monster Yamaha Tech3 team. I will try to do my best during these three days in Thailand. For me, it's a dream to be able to ride a MotoGP. I have to admit that I am very excited to have this chance. I hope I can be quick from the start to show everyone what I can do. Additionally, I would like to thank Razlan and everyone who supported me and made this possible. I am very happy and looking forward to Buriram, because it will be the very first time that I will be able to ride a MotoGP bike. I know I have to learn a lot about the Yamaha YZR-M1 and I'm looking forward to understanding how the team works because I know they are very experienced, so I want to get the most out of their contribution . During this winter I have been training a lot, but I hope that this hard work will pay off and I can't wait to start this test. »
Hervé Poncharal: « I am really happy and honored to have the opportunity to have Hafizh Syahrin with us for the Buriram Test. As everyone knows, ever since Jonas Folger decided he wouldn't be able to race in 2018, we've been looking at who could be the right replacement. After the Sepang test we had many meetings and it was decided that Hafizh Syahrin would be a very good choice for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team. Right now it's only three days, but I'm more than confident that Hafizh will show us what he can do. He is young, he is only 23 years old, he has already made a few podiums in Moto2, which is not easy. He placed in the top 10 in the final Moto2 standings in 2017, which is a huge achievement, because I know how difficult this category is. As I have always said, having a young driver is much more meaningful for the team than having an already established driver. Let's take the test, I am already full of excitement and optimism and very soon, after Buriram, we will make a final decision. But first, I would like to thank Razlan Razali from Sepang International Circuit, who is the team manager of Hafizh Syahrin. »
