Hafizh Syahrin has been called up by the Tech3 team to ride at the three-day MotoGP test in Thailand next week, with a decision on a full-time replacement for Jonas Folger expected shortly afterwards.
The triple Moto2 podium finisher had been strongly linked to the vacant satellite Yamaha in the week directly following the first pre-season test at Sepang, where former MotoGP rider Yonny Hernandez was drafted in.
Those rumours were only heightened when the Sepang International Circuit Moto2 team announced Syahrin had left the team and was being replaced by compatriot Zulfhami Khairuddin.
“I'm really happy and honored to have the possibility to have Hafizh Syahrin with us for the test in Buriram," Tech3 boss Herve Poncheral said.
"As everybody knows, since Jonas Folger decided that he couldn't race in 2018, we've been looking for who could be the right replacement rider.
"Following the Sepang test, we had many meetings and it has been decided that Hafizh Syahrin would be a very good chouce for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team.
"Right now, it is only the three days, but I am more than convinced Hafizh is going to show us what he can do.
"Let's do the test, I'm already full of excitement and optimism and really soon after Buriram we will take a final decision."
Syahrin expressed his delight at the news, and is keen to prove that he has what it takes to race in the premier class on a permanent basis.
“I'll try to do my very best during these three days in Thailand. For me, it's a dream come true to be able to ride a MotoGP machine," he said.
"I have to admit that I'm overly excited to get this chance. I hope I can be fast from the word go to show everybody what I'm capable of."
As well as Syahrin, ex-Avintia MotoGP rider Hector Barbera, Moto2 race winner Dominique Aegerter and Yamaha test rider Kohta Nozane were thought to be in the frame for the vacant Tech3 ride.
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