Jonas Folger to replace Spanish rider Maverick Viñales at this weekend’s Grand Prix of France.
Jonas Folger, 32, who works full-time as a test rider for KTM, is making a temporary return to the premier class of motorcycle racing after a three-year hiatus. Recent complications stemming from a shoulder injury sustained by Red Bull KTM Tech3’s permanent rider, Maverick Viñales, during a crash at the Sachsenring last July are forcing the Spaniard to take another break.
Due to a personnel shortage, KTM turned to Folger once again, as their MotoGP test rider, Pol Espargaro, is also unable to fill in for his compatriot due to a wrist injury. In a way, this brings things full circle for Folger, as he made his MotoGP debut nine years ago with the in the south of France based Tech3 Team, and back in 2023 he substituted Espargaró for six Grand Prix with Red Bull KTM Tech3. At Le Mans, Folger finished the race 13th place.
Folger, who is currently working closely with KTM to get their Supersport RC990R race-ready — and this project sees some race appearances planned for this year too — is still a long way from being on-par with the demands of day-to-day in racing at MotoGP level, despite his intensive physical training.
To make his return aboard a MotoGP bike during a race weekend easier, Folger took part in a test at Mugello earlier this week, where his main focus was on getting used to high speeds again. During his two-day stay in Italy, he also concentrated on the bike’s ergonomics and handling, which allowed him to develop a good feel for his machine ahead of this weekend.
The French Grand Prix at Le Mans, held at one of the most historic circuits on the calendar, is already the season’s round five.
#94 Jonas FOLGER (Red Bull KTM Tech3, KTM RC16):
«First of all, I’d like to say that I feel very sorry for Maverick; I wish him a quick and full recovery so he can get back on his bike soon. For my part, I’m really excited and also a bit proud that KTM has entrusted me with this task again. To be honest, I thought about it for a moment, but in the end I’m glad to have this opportunity again, so I accepted right away. Personally, I’m really looking forward to working with all the guys at Tech3 again because I have shared history with this team, and it’ll be great to see everyone again. Plus, it’s always special to return to the MotoGP paddock, both as a guest and — even more so — as a rider. The welcome was overwhelming. Even the biggest names of the sport gave me a very warm welcome back.»
«In Le Mans, a huge challenge awaits me - I’m under no illusions about that. Getting back into racing after so many years away and returning to a MotoGP bike means adapting quickly and learning a lot over the weekend. I’m not feeling any pressure from KTM. I have to ride for myself, find a good rhythm, and get the most out of it. My only goal is not to lose 3 seconds per lap. I have to grasp things quickly and put everything into practice. Luckily, I’ve been in this situation before when I replaced Pol Espargaro a few years ago. It was an absolute grind to get on this bike overnight. The others go out in the first practice session and go full throttle. I have to make sure I don’t rush anything, but at the same time, I can’t lose too much. That’s going to be a massive challenge, no question about it. But I believe that in the end, the positives will outweigh the difficulties. I’m really looking forward to these challenges and can hardly wait!»
Jonas FOLGERs Profil:
Alter: 32 (geboren am 13. August 1993)
Beruf: Testfahrer
Wohnort: Mühldorf am Inn (Oberbayern, Deutschland)
Größe: 180 cm
Gewicht: 72 kg
Motorrad: KTM RC16
Startnummer: 94
#FrenchGP – MotoGP™ Zeitplan für das Wochenende (MESZ):
Freitag, 8. Mai: 10:45 - 11:30 MotoGP™ Free Practice 1
Freitag, 8. Mai: 15:00 - 16:00 MotoGP™ Practice
Samstag, 9. Mai: 10:10 - 10:40 MotoGP™ Free Practice 2
Samstag, 9. Mai: 10:50 - 11:05 MotoGP™ Qualifying 1
Samstag, 9. Mai: 11:15 - 11:30 MotoGP™ Qualifying 2
Samstag, 9. Mai: 15:00 MotoGP™ Sprint (13 Runden - 53,076 km)
Sonntag, 10. Mai: 09:40 - 09:50 MotoGP™ Warm-Up
Sonntag, 10. Mai: 14:00 MotoGP™ Rennen (27 Runden – 110,575 km)
Streckendaten Le Mans:
Erstmals Austragungsort eines GP: 1969
Länge: 4.193 Meter
Breite: 12 Meter
Längste Gerade: 674 Meter
Linkskurven: 5
Rechtskurven: 9
Allzeit schnellste MotoGP™ Rundenzeit: 1´29.324 (2025)
Beste MotoGP™ Pole-Position: 1´29.324 (2022)
MotoGP™ Rundenrekord: 1´31.107 (2024)
Jonas Folgers Resultate 2025: Startplatz - / -
MotoGP™ WM-Kalender 2026:
1. März – Grand Prix of Thailand, Chang International Circuit
22. März – Grand Prix of Brazil, Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia Ayrton Senna
29. April – Grand Prix of the Americas, Circuit of The Americas
26. April – Gran Premio of Spain, Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto
10. Mai – Grand Prix of France, Circuit Bugatti Le Mans
17. Mai – Grand Prix of Catalonia, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
31. Mai – Grand Prix of Italy, Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello
7. Juni – Grand Prix of Hungary, Balaton Park Circuit
21. Juni – Grand Prix of Czechia, Automotodromo Brno
28. Juni – Grand Prix of the Netherlands, TT Circuit Assen
11. Juli – Grand Prix of Germany, Sachsenring
9. August – Grand Prix of Great Britain, Silverstone Circuit
30. August – Grand Prix of Aragon, MotorLand Aragón
13. September – Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
20. September – Grand Prix of Austria, Red Bull Ring
4. Oktober – Grand Prix of Japan, Mobility Resort Motegi
11. Oktober – Grand Prix of Indonesia, Mandalika International Circuit
25. Oktober – Grand Prix of Australia, Phillip Ilsand GP Circuit
1. November – Grand Prix of Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit
8. November – Grand Prix of Qatar, Lusail International Circuit
22. November – Grand Prix of Portugal, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
29. November – Grand Prix of Valencia, Circuit Ricardo Tormo
