Hafizh Syahrin secures Moto2 return

Hafizh Syahrin's 2020 plans look to have finally fallen into place with the Tech3 KTM rider securing a Moto2 seat for next season.

While unwilling to name his future team, the hot paddock rumour is that Syahrin will join the Angel Nieto team in place of Jake Dixon, who is switching to the Sepang squad.

"We just signed a pre-contract, we haven't signed the [full] contract yet. Probably this weekend we will sign it," said Syahrin, speaking in the Buriram paddock on Thursday.

"So I will go to Moto2 and probably it's not a new challenge, but the challenge is that now the engine is different," added Syahrin, who spent four full-seasons in the intermediate class using the former 600cc Honda engines.

Malaysia's first and so far only MotoGP rider has his sights set on top fives in the Triumph-powered class, with the aim of eventually returning to the premier-class.

"Going back to Moto2, I would like to do the same as Luthi has done; always fight for top five and the podium and in the championship I want to be in the top five if possible, because I did two years in the top ten in the Moto2 World Championship.

"I'm not saying it will be easy next year, but what I have gained from the experience in MotoGP and in my physical condition, I believe I can give a challenge.

"I'm happy because I am still continuing in this championship, and I want to come back as soon as possible to MotoGP."

The Angel Nieto Moto2 team is currently using the KTM chassis, which will not be available next season, with Syahrin saying the team will either run a Kalex or Speed Up chassis.

"I cannot say at the moment because the team didn't decide which way they will go," Syahrin said. "It will be either Speed Up or Kalex, and I'm waiting for the team to announce which package I will have."

Turning to this weekend, Syahrin will be back at the track where he rode a MotoGP machine for the very first time, during pre-season testing in 2018.

"For sure I like this track, and also the culture here and the weather, probably similar to back home, but the heat is a little bit too hot than Malaysia. Malaysia has more humidity, while here it's more hot. But the food I love, it's quite similar. And the track looks easy, but it's not easy to understand.

"Some corners are very technical, for example also the last corner is very tricky, if you make a small mistake or you are over your limit, it is easy to run wide, and also easy to crash. This is the part of the track that you need to understand.

"This is a track I like, and also last year I was doing not so bad. So let's see what we can do for the weekend here tomorrow, and I hope that we have a good weekend."

New parts for other riders mean Syahrin currently has the lowest spec KTM on the grid but will receive an upgrade this weekend.

"We don't have a new engine, but we have a new throttle body from KTM, so we will try here. I think for sure it will be one step forward. So let's see tomorrow, when we finish FP1 and FP2," said Syahrin who has scored seven points on the KTM this season, compared to 46 with the Yamaha in 2018.

Syahrin said he does not know when he will get the latest RC16 engine, with rumours suggesting it will arrive in time for this home race at the start of next month.

Brad Binder will take over Syahrin Tech3 KTM ride for 2020.