#12 As he continues to recover, the German rider will receive a call-up to the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team.
The Red Bull KTM Tech3 French Michelin® Grand Prix will count on former rider Jonas Folger to fill out its two-rider line-up at Le Mans this week. KTM Viñales is recovering well from recent left shoulder surgery but the fifth round of the season arrived a few days early for the #12.
Vinales visited the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center (APC) last week and decided to extend his stay on the KTM machinery to ensure he is back to full fitness. So the KTM RC16 is led by Jonas Folger, next to N.A. Bastianini in the Red Bull KTM Tech3 pitbox.
The 32-year-old German has made 19 premiership starts with the team, finishing on the podium at his home race in 2017 at the Sachsenring and most recently stepping in as Pol Espargaro’s replacement rider in April 2023. Folger is the winner in Moto3.
and Moto2 And it last raced at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, scoring points at the TT Circuit in Assen.
Jonas Folger: “First of all I wish Maverick a strong and speedy recovery. On a personal level, I’m very happy to be back with all the guys at Tech 3 – I have some history with this team and it will be good to see everyone again. Coming back after many years of racing at Le Mans and getting back on the bike means I’m sure it will be fun to adapt and learn a lot over the weekend. The positives outweigh the challenges and I’m looking forward to it.
Maverick Vinales: “Since the surgery, I have been working hard to fully recover and I had Le Mans in my head as the target race to come back. However, after participating in the APC this week, I was told that I am not yet strong enough to jump on the bike. While I am disappointed, I understand that getting back to full strength is the most important thing and I will keep my head down and prioritize that.”
Pete Beyer, KTM Motorsport Director: “This was not an easy decision for Maverick, but we fully understand his desire to return to the paddock when he is ready to race. He needs a little more time and we know his potential. We are grateful to the Tech3 Team for Mans for calling Jonas and we are glad that he accepted the challenge with Pol (Espargaro) and recovering from the training, the race is very tough and difficult. I hope for Jonas and he will enjoy the Grand Prix.
Nicolas Goyon, Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager: “We’ve said from the start that Maverick’s health and recovery is the most important thing, so although it’s sad that he won’t be with us at our home race, he knows his body and knows when to come back. It’s an important weekend for us because he’s racing in front of our friends, family and fans, so it’ll be good to have two bikes back on the track and Jonas running on the track. Enea has made great progress on the bike and confidence going into the Grand Prix.” It’s on its way, so we’re sure to have a strong weekend at home.
Stay tuned to see how the team performs on the field before the return from Vinales for this weekend’s French GP.
Post MotoGP: Folger to enter for Viñales in Le Mans It appeared at first Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle riding, racing and technology news.
 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){kind=link}