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Thailand's Buriram circuit will replace Phillip Island on MotoGP's winter test schedule ahead of the 2018 season, Autosport has learned.

While not yet official, it is expected Thailand will feature on an expanded 19-race 2018 calendar, slotting in late in the season as part of the championship's Asian tour.

Teams have indicated to Autosport that they will get a first taste of the Buriram track, which currently hosts World Superbikes, next February for the second winter test of the year.

As per 2017, the first test of '18 will be held at Sepang, currently pencilled in for January 28-30, before teams head on to Buriram for the second test on February 16-18.

The third and final test will take place in Qatar on March 1-3 ahead of the opening round of the season at the Losail track on March 18, a week earlier than this year.

A draft 2018 MotoGP calendar confirming Thailand's inclusion is expected to be published in September.