Former MotoGP and Moto2 man Yonny Hernandez will ride for the factory Honda World Endurance team in 2017/2018 after signing a deal to partner Sebastien Gimbert and Gregory LeBlanc in an all-new line-up for the Louth-based squad

Hernandez was dropped by Aspar Ducati at the end of last year and then a ride with the AGR team in Moto2 ended halfway through the season, so the Columbian has turned his focus to endurance, starting at the Bol d’Or in a couple of weeks time.

The three riders have enjoyed a successful pre-season test aboard the new Fireblade, where they were able to gain valuable lap time aboard their endurance machine and make various tweaks in preparation for the first round of the 2017/18 season.

“It has been a new experience for me because everything is new, so I just focus on finding a good rhythm with the bike and the team. The bike is so different but I’m happy because I have this opportunity to ride in the 24 hours,” said Hernandez.

“I think it’s been positive and we work good together, improve step by step and now I want to try some different things to improve the lap times further. I want to do a long run and try to find a good rhythm for the race, a good pace and I look forward to my first race with this team.”