The rumor came from Malaysia, just at the end of MotoGP testing in Sepang, and has been growing ever since: Hafizh Syahrin would be at the top of the short list of riders to replace Jonas Folger at short notice at Tech3.
For the time being, Hervé Poncharal, still in negotiations with its sponsors, has neither confirmed nor denied, but it would make some sense. The French team manager spoke to MCN with the following words: “Syahrin is one of the new names that hasn't made the list yet. But believe me, we are still far from an agreement. Nothing is decided yet, because some of my partners have different priorities. Depending on which side of the Atlantic they are at home, they have different ideas. For some, Asia is very important, for others this region is less relevant. I'm fed up with this situation, we need to pay attention to our motorcycle manufacturer and our sponsors. The contracts I signed with all these partners were with Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger. Every change must be discussed. Everyone has their own ideas and I'm right in the middle of it all. “
Only 23 years old, Hafiz Syahrin has been in the Moto2 category since 2014, and last year he was on the podium twice in Misano and Motegi. Most of us also remember his 2012 race at Sepang when, as a guest driver, he finished in third place in the rain after leading the race.
