From 22 starters in Portimao to 18 in Argentina: the first GP gave us four serious injuries. GASGAS ran for cover
March 31, 2023
Starting in Austin Jonas Folger takes the place in GASGAS of Pol Espargaro. The news was confirmed by the team. The German pilot 29 years oldtherefore returns to the premier class from which it has been missing since 2017. Folger has been a KTM test rider since this year, together with The days of Pedrosa.
In the GP of Argentina the MotoGP riders will be solo 18. Already since Texas they should be again 22, given the probable returns of Bastianini, Marquez and OIiveira and the takeover of Folger.
Pol Espargaro, injured on Friday in Portimao, underwent surgery in Barcelona at jaw. The operation was performed in Dexeus Hospital on Tuesday. It will remain under observation for a couple of days and aim to get home early to start physical therapy before getting back into action.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 in Argentina fields only the rookie Augusto Fernandez.
These are the words of Nicolas GoyonGASGAS team manager: “It is clear that a Pol serve tempo to fully recover and our thoughts go to him. We are always in touch. Until he fully recovers, Jonas will replace him who has already carried out tests with the latest MotoGP bikes and therefore he is the perfect substitute. We have good memories that tie us to him and that go back a few years ago and he also tested with us in Sepang this preseason. He’s a great boy and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”
Folger’s words and his career
Jonas Folger: “First of all I really hope Pol is well and recover as soon as possible. I’m sure he has the right people around. From me I can’t wait to get back to racing and to get to Texas to see all the guys from my old team! I hope we can do a good job and I know it will be a big challenge for me. It will also be a good opportunity to get back in touch with speed and to learn more about the bike. Thank you all and I can’t wait to go to Texas”.
Folger’s career. The German rider born in August 1993 has competed in ten complete seasons in the world championship, only one in MotoGP, in 2017, on a Yamaha Tech 3. In the premier class he finished second at the Sachsenring
He ran 155 races, winning 5 of them (2 in Moto3 and the others in Moto2). There are 24 podiums. Best final position in Moto3 quinto, in Moto2 sixth.
