Who is Jonas Folger? Everything you need to know about the Maverick Vinales Tech3 replacement for the French GP

Top Gun underwent a procedure in April to remove a spur from his left shoulder, which the Spaniard underwent after crashing out of qualifying at last year’s German GP.

The French satellite team did not bring in a replacement for Vinales, who was struck in Texas or Jerez, but Jonas Folger has now been given the green light to race as a replacement at Le Mans this weekend.

Jonas Folger will replace the injured Maverick Vinales at the 2026 French GP.

Folger made his first and only MotoGP 19 start at his home Grand Prix in 2017.

He has won races in Moto3 and Moto2 and his most recent appearance in the premier class was in 2011. He replaces the injured Pol Espargaro for six rounds in 2023.

The absence of Maverick Vinales continues at the French GP!

Has his quick return from a shoulder injury ruined his MotoGP career?

Folger expressed his delight at returning to action in MotoGP. KTM’s official press release“First of all, I wish Maverick a strong and speedy recovery.

“Personally, I’m really happy to be back with all the guys at Tech 3. I have some history with this team, and it’s great to see everyone again.

“Le Mans will be a big challenge, coming back from racing after so many years, and getting back on the bike means adapting quickly and learning a lot over the weekend.

“It’s definitely going to be tough, but I believe the positives will outweigh the challenges, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Where was Jonas Folger born? What is his nationality?

Jonas Folger was born in Mühldorf, Germany and got his first taste of motorcycles when he was three years old on a family holiday in Italy.

He started racing at the age of 9 and dominated the German mini-bike circuit, which gave him the opportunity to gain further opportunities on the motorcycle racing ladder.

How old is Jonas Folger and when was he born?

Jonas Folger was born in It was August 13, 1993, making him 32 years old at the time of writing.

The German made his debut in Grand Prix motorcycle racing at the age of 15, competing against KTM in a few rounds in the 125cc class in 2008.

Folger was rewarded with a full-time ride with Aprilia for the following season. In the year He scored his first podium at the 2009 French Grand Prix.

How tall is Jonas Folger and how much does he weigh?

According to the official MotoGP Website, Jonas Folger is 177 cm tall and 5 feet 9 inches tall. Curb weight is also listed on the driver’s profile as 68kg, making it 10st 10lbs.

What number does Jonah Folger compete in?

Jonas Folger usually likes the number 94 emblazoned on the front fairing of his motorcycle. He used this number throughout much of his career, including in MotoGP and as a challenger.

In the year In the 2025 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, Folger competed under the #95, according to the team’s specifications.

Jonas Folger Grand Prix career race statistics

Folger made his debut in eight-round Grand Prix motorcycle racing at the 2008 Czech GP in the 125cc class after a seven-time MotoGP World Championship. Mark Marquez He participated in the inaugural Grand Prix.

His first victory came at the Czech GP in 2012, and the German won in 2012. He continued to race in the lightweight division until switching to Moto3 in 2012, before moving up to the intermediate Moto2 category in 2014.

Folger would go on to win three races before making another step up to MotoGP in 2017 before returning to the middle class in 2019.