Jonas Folger 2023 GASGAS MotoGP announcement

Jonas Folger back in MotoGP – filling in for Pol Espargaró at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3

1. April 2023

3 min read

Former MotoGP podium finisher Jonas Folger will return to MotoGP from the American Grand Prix in mid-April, replacing the injured Pol Espargaró at GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3.

Jonas Folger replaces Pol Espargaró at GASGAS

Jonas Folger, former MotoGP podium finisher, will join GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 from the American Grand Prix in mid-April to fill in for Pol Espargaro, who continues his recovery. The 29-year-old German will make his first MotoGP appearance since 2017 after taking on the role of official test rider. Jonas has been part of the Tech3 team in the past, where he scored an exciting second place at the home Grand Prix at Sachsenring. Therefore, he knows the team and its way of working well.

Pol Espargaró’s recovery process

Pol Espargaró returned to Barcelona last weekend where he underwent jaw surgery. The procedure was performed on Tuesday at the Dexeus Hospital. He will be observed for a few more days and hopes to return home soon to intensify his physiotherapy and set a timetable for his return to the saddle.

Augusto Fernandez at the Argentina Grand Prix

In the meantime, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will compete in this weekend’s Gran Premio Michelin de la Republica Argentina with Augusto Fernandez, who will try to set good lap times at Termas de Rio Hondo.

Folger looking forward to his comeback

Jonas Folger had this to say about his upcoming outing, “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. 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.”

Team manager Nicolas Goyon welcomes Folger

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager of GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, said, “It’s clear Pol needs time to make a full recovery and our thoughts are still with him and we are in contact all the time. Until he is ready though Jonas’ testing role together with his recent MotoGP experience meant he is the perfect fill-in. We had some good memories with him a few years ago and he tested with us in Sepang this pre-season. He’s a great guy and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”