Hernandez set to stand in for Folger at test

It was announced on Wednesday that Folger will sit out the entire 2018 campaign as he continues his recovery from Gilbert's syndrome, the rare illness that left him unable to compete in the final four grands prix of last year.

Folger's decision leaves Tech3 needing to rapidly find a replacement rider, with pre-season testing beginning at Sepang in a little over a week.

Replacing Folger at the Malaysian track will be Hernandez, who raced full-time in MotoGP from 2012 to '16 with the BQR, Paul Bird Motorsport, Pramac and Aspar squads.

Hernandez stepped down to Moto2 in 2017, but parted ways with the AGR team after nine rounds before turning his focus to endurance racing with Honda.

He has also penned a deal with the Pedercini squad to race in World Superbike this season.

It is understood Tech3 is aiming to have a permanent replacement for Folger firmed up before the second pre-season test in Thailand in February, although it is not clear whether Hernandez is in contention for such a role.