Tech 3 today confirmed that German rider Jonas Folger will be joining the team in 2017, replacing the outgoing Bradley Smith who will be riding for KTM next year.
Folger, who currently rides in the Moto2 class, has signed a one-year deal with the French team with an option for another year if he performs well.
The German has been around the MotoGP paddock for quite a few years now after making his debut in 2008 riding a KTM in the 125 class. Folger took his first win at Silverstone in 2011 aboard the Ajo Motorsport Aprilia, before moving up to the Moto2 class in 2014.
Folger had two wins last year and has started 2016 in very much the same way as he finished 2015. The Impact GP rider has two podium finishes to his name and currently sits sixth in the Championship.
Speaking about the move, Folger said that “I am super excited about the news and I still can’t believe this is happening. I have been racing for years in the motorcycling World Championship and to make the move up to the premier class is a dream come true plus I’d like to thank all my sponsors that have stuck by me all these years”.
Tech 3 boss Herve Poncheral added, “He’s a nice person, very fast and he is going to have a strong season in Moto2 this year, where he hopefully will win the title which would be the dream situation. I am really pleased to announce that Jonas will join us before our home GP in Le Mans. It may be difficult to predict what will happen, as some riders adapt instantly whilst others need some time, but I am certain that he will be fast, have fun and become a strong Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider.”
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