Tech 3 will field Yonny Hernandez during the upcoming MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang as it evaluates its options to replace Jonas Folger.
Folger stepped up to the premier class with Tech 3 in 2017 and scored a podium at the Sachsenring, but missed the final events due to illness, later diagnosed as a strain of Gilbert’s Syndrome.
Folger targeted a return this year but recently announced that he will sit out the entirety of the season, forcing Tech 3 to unearth a replacement, with most riders already contracted elsewhere.
Hernandez raced in MotoGP between 2012 and 2016 for Avintia, Paul Bird, Pramac and Aspar, before stepping down to Moto2, though truncated his campaign mid-season.
For 2018, Hernandez has already been confirmed to ride for Pedercini in World Superbikes, but will now link up with Tech 3 at Sepang to test its Yamaha YZR-M1.
“On the 20th of January, almost everyone with the required level is already under contract, therefore I am very happy to have found out that Yonny Hernandez was so far without a contract,” said Tech 3 chief Herve Poncharal.
“I know, that he has got some plans and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Pedercini letting Yonny test with us and give him the opportunity to show what he can do on a Yamaha M1 MotoGP bike.
“I am pleased to give him this possibility to test for three days and with it giving him the chance to show his potential to both, Yamaha Motor Corporation and the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team.
“Yet, no permanent decision will be taken before we fly back from Sepang. For sure, we will analyse in detail how Yonny performs during this test and obviously, he is one of the riders on our short list for 2018.”
Tech 3 added that it intends to finalise a team-mate for Johann Zarco prior to the next pre-season test in Thailand, which takes place in mid-February.
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