After over 1,000 days, Folger returns – crashed in the sprint, behind in the race. The hardship of the return becomes clear.
More than 1,000 days after his last MotoGP appearance, Jonas Folger returned to the French Grand Prix in Le Mans. The German replaced the injured at Tech3-KTM. However, the restart was sobering: Folger fell in the sprint race and was unable to keep up with the leaders in the main race.
The 30-year-old was self-critical after the race. The lack of racing rhythm and the changed technology of the current MotoGP machines caused problems for him. Folger emphasized that the physical and mental strain after such a long break is enormous.
The situation was doubly difficult for Tech3-KTM. The team is fighting for important points in the constructors' championship. A replacement driver who delivers immediately is a rarity in this environment.
Folger's performance shows how big the gap is between training and racing at the highest level. MotoGP has changed fundamentally since Folger's last race in 2017. The current motorcycles have sophisticated electronics, aerodynamic aids and different tire characteristics.
These factors require a specific driving style that cannot be trained in a simulator or on a private course. Folger had to learn this lesson on the track – under the pressure of a full Grand Prix weekend. Historically, comebacks after more than two years in the premier class are rarely successful.
Riders like Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo returned after shorter breaks, but even they needed several races to get back into the rhythm. Folger's case highlights that MotoGP today offers even less forgiveness for a lack of racing experience than in the past. The times when a talent could immediately move up to the front after a long break are over.
What happens next: Whether Folger will compete in further races for Tech3 depends on the healing process of Maverick Vinales. One thing is certain: the road back to the top is a rocky one for every driver after a long break. Read at Motorsport.com DE
Folger's comeback is a rare experiment in MotoGP. It shows how extreme the demands are on drivers who return after years. For teams like Tech3-KTM that rely on points, a substitute driver is a risk. The story underlines that talent alone is not enough - racing experience and up-to-date technical knowledge are crucial.
Motorsport.com DEde.motorsport.com12 May, 7:39
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