The PETRONAS Sprinta Racing team have today announced that Scotsman John McPhee will remain in Moto3 in 2021, while current team-mate Khairul Idham Pawi will leave and will be replaced by the already announced Darryn Binder.

McPhee, who is in his second season with the PETRONAS team is a current title favourite, lying 35 points adrift of championship leader Arenas.

The Scottish rider has recorded success with the Malaysian outfit, taking two race wins and five podium finishes, taking his tally up to three wins and 14 podiums.

We first saw the Oban-born rider in 2010, competing at Valencia in the 125cc class before making some more regular appearances in 2011, the year he scored his maiden world championship point at Silverstone.

In 2013, McPhee landed a full-time ride, scoring 24 points across the season, the 26-year-old would end his maiden season in 19th. From there, he has only finished inside the top ten twice, seventh at the end of the 2017 season and fifth last year.

Starting his third season with Razlan Razali’s team in 2021, it will be all-in for McPhee as he aims to fight once again for the 2020 crown and ultimately land a ride in the 2022 Moto2 championship.

John McPhee – PETRONAS Sprinta Racing

I’m really happy to re-sign with the team for 2021! We still have a few races now to finish off this season and we’re in a great position to continue fighting for the championship. For me it’s really important to continue with the same crew, people that I know and where I’m feeling comfortable on and off track. The aim for next year will be to again be consistently in the top three and fighting for the championship. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead, but let’s focus on this season and get that completed first! I want to say a big thank you to the team and partners for all the support they have given me. Now let’s see what we can do in these final races of the 2020 season.

Johan Stigefelt – Team Director, PETRONAS Sprinta Racing

I’m really pleased to continue with John in 2021. He has been with us now for nearly two years and we can see that we are growing and progressing very well together. John has been a championship contender from the very start of this year, so to be continuing with him is great news for the team. We still have four races to go in this season and I’m sure we can achieve more successful results and fight until the final lap of the last race.

In 2021, we will have a very strong team with him and Darryn [Binder], both of whom are strong riders and will perform on a high level. It is important for the team that we take this step to continue with John and have the strongest Moto3 line-up that we’ve ever had.

McPhee and the rest of the Moto3 field will return to action this weekend in Aragon.

Featured image: Sepang Racing Team