Red Bull KTM Tech3 will count on former rider Jonas Folger to fill their two-rider line-up at Le Mans this week for the Michelin® Grand Prix of France. KTM say Viñales is recovering well from recent left shoulder surgery but the fifth round of the season has come just a few days too early for #12.
Viñales made a visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC) last week and made the decision to extend his absence to ensure he returns to his KTM machinery at full fitness. Therefore, the KTM RC16 next to Enea Bastianini in the Red Bull KTM Tech3 pitbox will be steered by Jonas Folger.
The 32-year-old German has made all 19 of his premier class starts with the team, impressing with a podium finish at his home race at the Sachsenring in 2017, and most recently stepping in as replacement rider for Pol Espargaró in April 2023. Folger is a winner in Moto3™ and Moto2™ and last competed in the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, scoring points at TT Circuit Assen.
Jonas Folger: “First of all, I want to wish Maverick a strong and quick recovery. On a personal level, I am really excited to be coming back together with all the guys at Tech3 — I have some history with this team and it will be great to see everyone again. Le Mans will be a big challenge, going back after so many years away from racing, and getting back on the bike will mean adapting quickly and learning a lot across the weekend. It is going to be tough, for sure, but I believe the positives outweigh the difficulties and I am very much looking forward to it. I cannot wait.”
Maverick Viñales: "I've been working hard since the surgery to fully recover and have always had Le Mans in my head as my target race to return. However, after attending the APC this week, I have been advised that I am not yet strong enough to jump back on the bike. Whilst I am disappointed, I understand being back to full strength is the most important thing and I will keep my head down and prioritise that."
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “This was not an easy decision for Maverick to make but we fully understand the desire to return to the paddock when he is ready to race. He just needs a bit more time and we know his potential. For Le Mans we’re thankful that the Tech3 team could call on Jonas and we’re pleased he accepted the challenge with Pol [Espargaro] also recovering from his training issue. MotoGP is so tight and competitive, as well as complex for the racers, so big respect to Jonas and I hope he enjoys the Grand Prix.”
Nicolas Goyon, Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager: “We have said from the very beginning that Maverick's health and his recovery is the most important thing, so whilst it is disappointing he will not be with us at our home race, he knows his own body and when he will be ready to return. It is an important weekend for us as we are racing in front of our friends, family and fans, so it will be great to have two bikes back on track and Jonas back with us at Tech3. Following the test in Jerez, Enea has made great progress on the bike and is feeling confident heading into the Grand Prix, so we are positive we can have a strong weekend at home.”
Tune in this weekend for the French GP to see how the team does on home turf ahead of Viñales' return.