For Jonas Folger, it was a special experience on Sunday in front of almost 100,000 spectators at the legendary Sachsenring to take part in a home Grand Prix for the first time since 2017. The 29-year-old saw the chequered flag in 17th place, just outside the points.
After a disappointing sprint on Saturday afternoon, in which Jonas Folger had to retire due to a technical problem, he had hoped for more on Sunday. 233,000 fans attended the Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland this weekend and cheered on their local hero, who was delighted to be back at the starting grid at the Sachsenring circuit.
Folger, who started the race from nineteenth place after Marc Marquez’s retirement, got off to a good start and quickly found his rhythm. He tried to stay as close as possible to the group and put in a good pace. On lap 5 he set his fastest race lap in 1´22.655, which was also his fastest time of the weekend. However, Folger again struggled with a lack of confidence with the front of his bike and also had difficulties in turning at some places. Under these circumstances, to finish the long race was not a foregone conclusion.
#94 Jonas FOLGER (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, KTM RC16)
Grid position: 19 / Race: P17
“Unlike Mugello, I enjoyed today’s race a lot more, even though I did not have the pace I would have liked. I struggled to find good grip as well as in turning, a problem I have been struggling with for some time. We need to keep working and try to improve the front of the bike, so I feel more comfortable on the brakes. It was a long and hard race, but I enjoyed every lap in front of this fantastic crowd, there was a good atmosphere, so thanks to my team and to all the fans who came this weekend.”
#GermanGP - MotoGP™ Race Classfication (30 Laps):
1 Jorge MARTIN / SPA / Prima Pramac Racing / Ducati / 40´52.449
2 Francesco BAGNAIA /ITA / Ducati Lenovo Team / Ducati / +0.064
3 Johann ZARCO / GER / Prima Pramac Racing / Ducati / +7.013
17 #94 Jonas FOLGER / GER / GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 / KTM / +48.962
MotoGP™ World Standing:
1 Francesco BAGNAIA / ITA / Ducati / 160
2 Jorge MARTIN / SPA / Ducati / 144
3 Marco BEZZECCHI / ITA / Ducati / 126
21 #94 Jonas FOLGER / GER / KTM / 7
