The 23-year-old, who hails from Selangor, will team up with 2016 Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco, as the second rider, replacing Jonas Folger, who pulled out due to health factors.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive office Razlan Razali confirmed that the rider, nicknamed “Pescao 55” had been offered a one-year contract to race in the premier class championship.

“Hafizh had surprised many people during the training session at Chang Circuit, Buriram in Thailand last weekend. Although it was his first time testing the machine, he performed well, so he managed to secure this opportunity.

“After this, we will leave him (Hafizh) to the team leader (of Monster Yamaha Tech3) Herve Poncharai…he will guide and educate Hafizh to become a more mature and good rider, who can compete with other riders such as Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo,” he said during a press conference here, today.

At the third pre-season test in Buriram held for three days beginning Friday, Hafizh managed to finish the test in 21st place, clocking a minute and 31.537 seconds on the 4.554km circuit.

Hafizh, who has been involved with motor racing since he was nine, had been racing with the Petronas Raceline team in Moto2 for the last four years, before receiving the contract to race in the premier class for 2018.

Speaking to reporters, Hafizh said he did not wish to place high expectations for his inaugural race in the MotoGP at the Losail International Circuit, Qatar on March 18.

“For the first race, I only target to be in the top 20, because I am not familiar with the machine yet as I have only tested it once.

“I need to get comfortable with the machine during the final test on March 1 and the day of the race, (both) in Qatar. After that, I will try to get points. It is challenging to pick up points in the MotoGP,” he said.