There will be a MotoGP slot in the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team for Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (pic) next year – but there is a catch.

The 25-year-old has to earn the place by meeting the target set by team principal Datuk Razlan Razali. He has to finish in the top five overall in Moto2.

It is not an easy target by any means as the intermediate class is the most competitive in the world championship given that most riders are out to impress to make the grade to MotoGP.

But Hafizh is ready to face the challenge.

“I accept Razlan’s challenge. I want to go back to the MotoGP class. There are limited slots left for 2021 as most of the riders are on contracts, I will try my best to earn this.”

Hafizh will be riding for Aspar Racing Team in Moto2 in the new season starting in March and wants to fight his way back into the premier class.

“I know I can ride when I have a good package with Aspar as it’s headed by a former world championship rider Jorge Martinez.

“I am based in Spain and in the weeks ahead, it will be crucial to build myself physically for the season ahead,” said Hafizh, who is still the only South-East Asian rider to compete in MotoGP.

Hafizh was impressive in his rookie season in 2018 when he finished 10th overall with 106 points but his fortunes changed when Tech3 Racing Team switched from Yamaha to KTM and he ended 23rd with just nine points in the bag.

He received a boost to his preparations for the new season when he was named ambassador for Primavalet Fashion Hub yesterday.

Primavalet director Dr Arshad Beg said they opted for Hafizh as their first signing for 2020 as he has a huge following among youths in the country.

“Hafizh is active in cycling and motor racing. He is disciplined and is setting a good example for the younger generation. He will be directly involved in designing our new collection, which is sporty and durable,” he said.