MotoGP rookie Hafizh Syahrin made up eight places on the🥂 opening lap in Argentina, paving the way for his first top ten finish in the premier-class.

The Monster Yamaha𝄹 Tech3 rider beganꦰ just 23rd on the grid, but made short work of many more experienced riders on his way to 9th place by lap 9.

The Malaysian then spent the closing stages in a close battle for sixth with Andrea Doviziosoღ, Tito 𝄹Rabat, Andrea Iannone and Danilo Petrucci.

“I’m so hap𒁃py about the result today!" Syahrin said.

"I pushed really har𒉰d all the weekend, the team did a very good job. I felt truly strong this weekend, we only struggled in qualifying, because I didn’t find good grip to stop the bike in a decent way.

"For the race I was fully motivated, I pushed and when I saw that I was in P15 af🦂ter the firsꦑt lap, I was surprised.

"My pace was really strong and I was able to follow the Factory Yamaha quit🦹e easily, but it was difficult to pass the Ducati, because it’s very fast on the straight. I tried it many times, but it was✃ not possible.

"In the end P9♌ is a really amazing result for me, I have a fantastic feeling with ౠthe team and want to pass my congratulations to Johann [Zarco] for his podium.

"We are very happy and leave Argentina with a gre🔥at result. I hope I can do also a good race in Austin and will continue🌸 to work hard on myself.”

Team boss Herve Ponchaౠral felt Syahrin had been "a bit too nervous for the qualifying" but was proud of his performance in the race.

"Starting from almost last to finish the race in ninth position, fighting with𒀰 all the factory guys, I think this is something that is going to boost his confidence" Poncharal said♎.

"I’m very proud of him and I🎐’m very proud to have selected him for the season, because🔯 he is showing, that when you have the right attitude coming from this fantastic Moto2 class, you can have a lot of dreams.”

LCR Ho💃nda's Takaaki Nakagami was the next best rookie, in 13th.