MotoGP: Hafizh Syahrin at Tech3? Zulfahmi Khairuddin called to replace him at Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2

Although nothing is official yet, it seems that we are getting closer and closer to the arrival of Hafizh Syahrin at Tech3 to replace Jonas Folger, with the recent announcement of his possible replacement within his team current by his Malaysian compatriot Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

We recently reported to you a “ MotoGP Rumor: Marriage in sight for Hafizh Syahrin and Tech3 to replace Jonas Folger? ". The next day, the situation had clearly evolved, and we then went " From rumor to probability… ».

With the arrival of Zulfahmi Khairuddin to replace Hafizh Syahrin at Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2, fruition would seem imminent. Syahrin was set to be the sole rider for the Petronas Sprinta team at the Sepang circuit and, while no official announcement has yet been made, he now appears destined to become Malaysia's first MotoGP rider.

“Zulfahmi Khairuddin will be joining us in Moto2 for 2018, which is a bit of a surprise as we had planned to have Hafizh riding, but we are nevertheless prepared ", said team manager Johan Stigefelt.

“We have been working very hard for six months to prepare the Moto2 project and we have put everything in place, we have very good people behind this project and this team. »

“We are going to give Fahmi the best support and the best bike, I think he will be surprised how nice it is to race in Moto2. »

“Of course it will be complicated too, it is a difficult championship and it will take a lot of work on his part but Fahmi is confident and ready to take on this challenge. We will be there to help him prepare and support him throughout the season. »

Khairuddin will get his first taste of his Kalex Moto2 on February 6, the start of a three-day official test in Valencia.

“It’s really great to have this opportunity. So, I would like to thank SIC, especially Dato' Razlan for his continued support and trust in me said Khairuddin. “II'm really happy to return to the MotoGP paddock. »

“In Valencia, the focus will be on improving my feeling on Moto2 and how quickly I will evolve. »

“It is certain that the competition will be difficult and that I will have to do a lot of laps, I hope to have good data in Valencia. »