You have to go back to the 2023 Dutch GP to find the last time Jonas Folger competed in MotoGP. The German was then replacing the injured Pol Espargaró and will now return to action at the French GP as a substitute for Maverick Viñales.
Maverick continues to recover from the shoulder operation he had to undergo after the United States GP and although he has put all his efforts into returning for Le Mans it has not been possible. After not having been present in Jerez, where his place was not filled since Pol Espargaró is also injured, Tech3 trusts Folger again.
The story of Jonas Folger, who is now 32 years old, is closely linked in the premier class to the French team and not only because he was a substitute for Espargaró but because it was with the French team with which he debuted in MotoGP in the now distant 2017, achieving a podium at Sachsenring after fighting hand in hand with Marc Márquez.
In fact, a lot was expected of the German until shortly after the problems began that ended up separating him from the championship to which he has returned punctually. This substitution of Folger, who is part of the KTM development department and acts as a test rider although not at the level of Pedrosa and Espargaró, is confirmed only for the French GP.
For now Folger will only replace Viñales in France
Although the Catalan GP is only a week later, it has not been confirmed whether Viñales will be able to return in time or not and, if not, who would be his replacement. Meanwhile, Pit Beirer, Director of KTM Motorsport, is understanding with the Catalan and grateful with the German: «It was not an easy decision for Maverick, but we completely understand his desire to return to the paddock when he is ready to compete. It just needs a little more time and we know its potential. For Le Mans we are grateful that the Tech3 team can count on Jonas and we are happy that he accepted the challenge, with Pol (Espargaró) also recovering from his problem in training. “MotoGP is very tight and competitive, as well as complex for the riders, so great respect for Jonas and I hope he enjoys the Grand Prix.”
For his part, Folger is prepared to suffer and enjoy the opportunity in equal measure: «First of all, I want to wish Maverick a speedy and strong recovery. On a personal level, I’m very excited to be back with the entire Tech3 team – I have history with this team and it will be great to see everyone again. Le Mans will be a great challenge, coming back after so many years without competing, and adapting to the bike again will mean adjusting quickly and learning a lot over the weekend. It’s going to be tough, no doubt, but I think the positives outweigh the difficulties and I’m looking forward to it. “I can’t wait.”
Meanwhile, Viñales is waiting to be able to return to action although, as we said, right now he is not setting new deadlines: «I have been working hard since the surgery to recover fully and I have always had Le Mans in my head as the target race to return to. However, after attending the APC this week, I was advised that I am not yet strong enough to get back on the bike. Although I am disappointed, I understand that returning to 100% is the most important thing and I will continue to work calmly and prioritize that.
