McPhee stays in Moto3 with Petronas

John McPhee will remain in Moto3 with the Petronas team in 2020.

The Scotsman, who made his grand prix debut as a wild-card in 2010, claimed the Sepang team's first victory at Le Mans this season, plus one further podium, and is currently sixth in the world championship.

McPhee had expressed a desire to move to Moto2, but will instead remain in the junior class in pursuit of the world title.

"Our objective in retaining John is to go for championship glory," said team principal Razlan Razali.

McPhee, currently on target for his best grand prix season, added: “It’s a fantastic feeling and I’m very grateful to have another great opportunity to work with such a great team. It’s an honour to be a part of the family for another year. I have a job to finish between now and the end of the season and my focus will be on that, but I’m also very excited for the future too.

"It’s the first time in my career that I’ve had continuity and it’s great for the team, for me and for the results. When things work as well as they are right now, it’s invaluable - you can’t even explain how important it is for a rider. To have the chance to start a second season with that feeling already there can only make us stronger.

"I need to have a massive thank you to Razlan, to Johan [Stigefelt] and to Petronas and all our partners for putting their confidence in me.”

Ayumu Sasaki presently rides alongside McPhee but rumours are gathering pace that Sepang's Moto2 rider Khairul Idham Pawi may return to Moto3 with the Malaysian team next year.

Pawi was a double race-winner during his rookie 2016 season in Moto3, with Honda Team Asia, but was then fast-tracked straight to Moto2.