Motorsport

Hafizh Syahrin makes history being the first Malaysian to compete in MotoGP

Michelle Liew

February 22, 2018

Photo credits: BikesRepublic

Malaysia Boleh!

Malaysia’s very own precious gem Hafizh Syahrin is all set to become the nation’s first ever rider to compete in the MotoGP, replacing Germany’s Jonas Folger, who is no longer participating in the championship due to illness.

Hafizh will be joining France’s Johann Zarco in the line-up, as announced by Tech3 Yamaha at the singing on Wednesday February 21. The Malaysian has ridden in the Moto2 tier for four years and will be taking on MotoGP for the first time.

Photo credits: New Straits Times

Malaysian circuit chief executive Razlan Razali has stated the singing to be “the biggest announcement and achievement for a Malaysian rider after more than 26 years of Malaysia hosting MotoGP”.

“It is also fantastic news for the Asian region,” he added.

This is definitely a huge step for Malaysia and even the Prime Minister has acknowledged the significance of the achievement.

Tahniah Hafizh Syahrin, pelumba Malaysia pertama menyertai MotoGP musim penuh! pic.twitter.com/bIiP2bFfXt

— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) February 21, 2018

“It has been a tough time since we heard from Jonas Folger that he has decided not to race in 2018 in order to look after his health and try to fully recover,” said team manager Herve Poncharal in a statement.

“It has been a long process to find somebody.”

“I must thank Herve Poncharal for this opportunity, his faith and confidence in Hafizh. We will now hand over Hafizh in his good care for him to be developed into a better, competitive and complete MotoGP rider,” said Razlan.

We certainly cannot wait to see Hafizh in action!