Malaysian rookie Hafizh Syahrin has secured his future in MotoGP with the Tech3 KTM team, after signing a one-year deal direct with Tech3.
Syahrin was called up as a last-minute replacement for Jonas Folger, who pulled out of the season to recover from Gilbert's syndrome, which struck him down in the latter half of his rookie campaign in 2017.
The Malaysian – who was set to compete in Moto2 with the Sepang International Circuit team – made his MotoGP debut at the Thailand test, and has so far impressed on the satellite Yamaha, scoring points four of the six races run so far and sitting 16th in the standings.
Tech3 boss Herve Poncheral expressed his desire to keep Syahrin to partner Moto2 frontrunner Miguel Oliveira, though it was thought KTM were keen to give the second Tech3 RC16 to its outgoing factory rider Bradley Smith.
KTM boss Pit Beirer said: “We are happy that Hafizh Syahrin extended his contract with Tech3.
“After his unexpected move to MotoGP he has had a decent season so far and is leading the ranking for ‘Rookie of the Year’.
“Furthermore he is a very professional and friendly young athlete. Together with Miguel Oliveira the rider line-up for our young Tech3 KTM MotoGP Team for the next season is now complete.
“I also want to express big thanks to Hafizh's manager Razlan Razali for his trust in the newly built structure of Tech3 KTM. We're looking forward to work together in the future.”
Syahrin expressed his disbelief at remaining in MotoGP, and thanks Poncheral and KTM for their belief in him.
“It’s hard for me to talk about this, and to believe it,” he said.
“First of all, I have to say thank you very much to Herve for trusting in me and giving me this opportunity to stay with the Tech3 family and at the same time to join the KTM family.
“I also have to express a huge thank you to my manager Razlan, who helped me to achieve this dream arriving to the MotoGP class, plus thank you to KTM for believing in Hervé and in me.
“I will work hard for 2019 and I’ll be better prepared. I’m incredibly happy to get this chance.”
The factory KTM outfit will field current Tech3 rider Johann Zarco alongside Pol Espargaro, while the Tech3 team will receive full factory support from the Austrian manufacturer.
With Tech3 confirming its line-up, only the second seat at Suzuki and Aprilia is up for grabs, while more information is awaited regarding the Petronas-backed satellite Yamaha team.
Moto2 rookie Joan Mir is set to join Alex Rins at Suzuki, with Andrea Iannone vacating his GSX-RR to join Aleix Espargaro at Aprilia. Outgoing Honda man Dani Pedrosa is expected to get one of the Petronas-backed Yamahs, with Franco Morbidelli the other.
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