Hafizh Syahrin will return to Moto2 class in 2020 with Angel Nieto after two years in the MotoGP category with Tech 3 outfit.
After losing his Tech 3 KTM MotoGP ride to Brad Binder, Syahrin will return to Moto2 in 2020 with Angel Nieto to continue aboard a KTM in the feeder series alongside the newly signed Aron Canet and joining few other MotoGP riders on the grid.
Syahrin graduated to MotoGP in place of Jonas Folger in Tech 3 in 2018 when they were a satellite outfit to Yamaha. The Malaysian did well to finish 16th with 46 points in his rookie season. His form tumbled in 2019 when Tech 3 shifted to KTM.
Like Johann Zarco, it was a difficult switch for Syahrin and in the 15 races so far, he only has seven points to be 24th. His bad results combined with an up and down confidence level resulted in his ouster and even with Zarco leaving, he has no second chance.
“I think that together with the Angel Nieto Team we can do a good job next season,” said Syahrin. “Moto2 is not a new category for me because I already spent several years there, but now I will have a different chassis, a different engine with more power and different tyres.
“I have raced against the majority of riders in this class and I think I can mix it up at the front. I will give my best to be a top five rider, I have faith in the team because I have worked with a few of them before, and I think we can do a good job.”
Jorge Martinez added: “I would like to welcome Hafizh Syahrin to our team. It is great news for us to sign such an experienced rider to our new challenge in the Moto2 class. We are planning a big step forward in 2020, we are raising the bar and I know that both Hafizh and his future teammate Aron Canet will help us reach it.
“Syahrin is a rider who already has several years of experience in this category and we have confidence in his ability to achieve big things.” His move is being supported by the Malaysian ministry and also Sepang International Circuit.
The goal remains for a possible return to MotoGP class in 2021 as the push towards having an Asian rider in the premier class is still the priority. There are certain junior riders in the ranks but none so far has had a season which could launch them into MotoGP.
Hafizh Syahrin will make his WTCR and EWC debut in the off-season
Here’s the 2020 Moto2 line-up so far
