Jonas Folger has signed to ride for Herve Poncharal’s Monster Yamaha squad and will move into MotoGP from the Valencia test at the end of this year.

The German rider, who is currently challenging in Moto2, has secured a one-year deal which will see him replace Bradley Smith.

“I am super excited about the news and I still can't believe this is happening,” Folger said. “I have been racing for years in the motorcycling World Championship and to make the move up to the premier class is a dream come true plus I'd like to thank all my sponsors that have stuck by me all these years.

“Furthermore, it's an honour to make this step with Yamaha, Hervé Poncharal and Tech 3 team who have such a long and deep history in the paddock. I will try my absolute best to repay the faith the team has put in me, and I'm really looking forward to the new adventure.

“However, I will remain completely focused for the rest of the year in the intermediate class but I can't wait for Valencia where I will sample the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time.”