Zarco and Syahrin are excited to kick off 2018 this weekend in Qatar
The Monster Yamaha Tech3 Duo is eagerly awaiting the Qatar Grand Prix, which will usher in the upcoming 2018 MotoGP season.
Full of motivation, Johann Zarco wants to transfer his impeccable results in the latest test on the Losail International Circuit into a grandiose opening race. Meanwhile, Hafizh Syahrin, who performed impressively during his first six days aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1, is focused on delivering an exceptional premier class first run.
The action begins with the first free practice on Friday, March 16 at 2:45 p.m. local time, while the highly anticipated race takes place on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Johann Zarco
“The season is just around the corner and I’m pretty happy about it. The last test in Qatar was great, finishing the best lap time, gave the team and me a very high level of motivation and a lot of self-confidence. We know we still have a lot to do to fight for victory. But I can start the first race weekend of the year with the desire to fight for victory and I am very happy to have that feeling even before the first competition. I want to keep enjoying! Let’s see what the race weekend in Qatar has to offer. “
Hafizh Syahrin
“I am so happy that I will be racing in MotoGP for the entire season and I am looking forward to the first lap in Qatar. I will try to do my best for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team and all of my fans who work tirelessly to support me. I’m 100 percent ready to arrive at the opening weekend because I’ve been training a lot. I am very encouraged by the teamwork we put in during the Losail test. I hope that the hard work from the first free practice session this week will pay off. “
Hervé PONCHARAL
Team manager
“The tests are finally over and we can now start the races. As Monster Yamaha Tech3, I believe that we are ready, we have done a very determined and positive work in preparation and Johann feels more than ready to start the season with a very strong feeling, thanks to the great feedback he received has found while riding his new bike, especially in the last two tests in Thailand and Qatar. He has shown the world that he is one of the top 5 MotoGP riders and his intent is to start the 2018 season where he left off in 2017. On the other side of the pit it was clearly an incredible mission, tough, but it’s very exciting to find a replacement driver for Jonas Folger, who unfortunately decided to do it in 2018. I have to say that sometimes bad luck or struggles turn into a very interesting one Lead the situation, and that is exactly what is happening now. We are more than happy to have Hafizh Syahrin with us. He’s a very talented young rider and a charming guy and I think he already has it, but hopefully he’ll surprise some people in our paddock again. I would therefore like to warmly welcome him to the Monster Yamaha Tech3 family and wish him all the best for his future in this important season. Together with Johann Zarco next to his art and Hafizh Syahrin who is eager to show his potential, we will start the FP1 in Losail, Qatar with a big smile on our face and with many hopes and dreams for the 2018 season. Let the show begin!”