Tech 3 completes 2018 rider line-up with Folger re-signing

The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team has completed its rider line-up for 2018, after the French outfit opted to take up the one-year extension option on Jonas Folger’s contract.

Tech 3 got the contract season ball rolling last time out in France when it confirmed it would retain Zarco, with it widely thought Folger’s re-signing would not be far behind, the German impressing in his debut premier class season so far.

While Zarco may have grabbed all the headlines in the opening five races, the five-time grand prix winner in the lower classes has made a solid start to his 2017 campaign.

Finishing all races in the points, the only rider in the 23-strong field to do so, Tech 3 team manager Herve Poncheral saw the decision to carry on with the German into next year as an easy one to make.

“I am delighted to retain Jonas as he has been doing a great job on the Yamaha so far,” said Poncheral.

“He has finished all five races in the points, and only once outside of the top 10. For sure, everyone is very impressed with his team-mate Johann and there may be a bit more attention on him, but we cannot forget that Jonas is doing a superb job as a rookie.

“Our German rider is safe, fast, is keen to learn and I know his potential and I am very confident that he can achieve what we are all expecting.

“He is a very strong asset for Tech 3, and we are really happy and proud to have him with us for another year.”

Folger added: “I am really happy about continuing with Herve and the awesome Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team for 2018.

“So far this year, I am very pleased with the performances that we have produced, including the pre-season tests, but there is much more to come from me.

“For the rest of 2017 as well as next year, I believe that we can carry on progressing and making solid strides forward.

“I’m already excited to see what we can do in the next months together and so, I have to thank the boss and everyone involved at Tech 3 for what they have done so far, and for having faith in me, and I will always give my absolute all on the Yamaha YZR-M1.”