Monster Yamaha Tech3 announced on Wednesday that Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah will be their MotoGP rider alongside Johann Zarco for the 2018 season.

The French-based team's announcement came following Jonas Folger's non-participation due to Gilbert's syndrome and Hafizh's pre-season with them in Thailand last week.

In doing so, the 23-year-old became the first Malaysian to race at the highest level in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

Prior to this, he raced for Petronas Raceline Malaysia in Moto2 for the past seven years, securing three podium finishes.

"I’m incredibly delighted after receiving the good news, that I will ride with Monster Yamaha Tech3 in 2018," he was quoted saying by the team's official website.

"I want to thank Hervé [Poncharal], Yamaha Motor Corporation, Monster and the entire Tech3 team to believe in me and giving me this fantastic opportunity to compete full season in MotoGP.

"Thank you to my family, that always supported me to make this dream come true, especially my father, plus thanks to my fans and of course to Razlan [Razali].

"I’m looking forward to test again in Qatar and I’ll be even more motivated."

The 2018 MotoGP season will begin on 18 March in Qatar.