Jonas Folger in MotoGP with Tech3 in 2017

After the confirmation that Smith will go to KTM, team Tech3 has decided to whom it will entrust the free Yamaha. Hervé Poncharal has chosen to bet on a youngster, and has signed a contract for 2017 (with an option for the following year) with Jonas Folger.

The 22-year old German concluded the Moto2 championship, in which he's currently competing, in 6th place last year, winning two races, while this season he has already been on the podium twice. His first complete World Championship season was in 2009, in 125 with Aprilia.

The French team has therefore decided to invest in a talented rider who has not yet expressed his full potential. Alongside him will be Pol Espargarò who, after Dorna putting a stop to new entries in MotoGP, no longer has the Pons option.

Hervé Poncharal commented on his decision: “It's always an important decision when choosing a young rider who will begin his career in MotoGP. We thought long and hard about who could be the best substitute for  Bradley. We looked closely at the profiles of all the young riders and Jonas Folger's name was at the top of the list”.

“He's very fast and is doing well in Moto2 this season, if he were to win the title it would be the ideal  situation - he continues - I'm really pleased to make this announcement at our home Grand Prix. It's difficult to say what will happen, some riders immediately adapt while others needs more time, but I'm sure that Jonas will be fast, will enjoy himself and will become strong”.

Folger, logically, cannot wait to get on the M1. His first opportunity will be at Valencia, in the tests following the GP.

“I'm so excited and can't yet believe that it's happened - his reaction - I've races in the World Championship for years and to move up to the top class is a dream come true. It is an honour to make this step with Yamaha, Poncharal and theTech3  team that has such a long history. I will do my absolute best to repay this trust. For now, I remain completely focused on Moto2, but I can't wait for Valencia to get on the M1 for the first time".