Jonas Folger will make a return to MotoGP racing action in the Americas Grand Prix later this month as replacement for the injured Pol Espargaro at the GasGas squad.
Folger – who was announced as a KTM test rider last month – will take over from Espargaro until the Spaniard recovers from his nasty Portimao practice crash, in which he sustained a fractured vertebra as well as a broken jaw amongst other injuries, for which he underwent surgery for earlier this week.
Announced in a statement from GasGas on Friday morning, no timeframe was given on a return for Espargaro due to him not beginning physiotherapy yet, prompting GasGas to replace him with Folger in the meantime.
While admitting stepping back into the MotoGP saddle would be a “big challenge”, Folger says he is looking forward to reuniting with the team with which he campaigned with in his first – and so far only – premier class term back in 2017.
“First of all I really hope Pol is doing well and getting back on his feet as soon as possible, I’m sure he has the right people around him,” said Folger.
“From my side I’m looking forward to racing again and arriving to Texas to see all the guys from my old team!
“I hope we can do a decent job and I know it will be a big challenge for me since testing has only just started.
“However, this will be a great opportunity to get up to speed and learn more about the bike. I’m thankful and now looking to Texas.”
The Americas GP will be the first time he has raced a KTM in anger having run a Yamaha when racing with Tech 3 back in ’17, the German scoring a best result of second in his home grand prix at the Sachsenring.
He failed to complete the year though after contracting Gilbert’s syndrome, Folger racing in the World Superbike Championship as well as selected Moto2 races since making his MotoGP exit.
