Photo: motogp.com
The turmoil in the MotoGP rider market is only getting stronger as Herve Poncharal's Monster Yamaha Tech 3 just confirmed having signed a one-season contract with the German Moto2 pilot Jonas Folger.
As if things were not already tensioned, with both teams and rider managers waiting for the others’ move to try and get the best deals possible, here's one of the Yamaha satellite seats that disappeared all of a sudden. That is, those who were dreaming about that satellite ride can kiss it goodbye, at least for now.
Tech 3 offered Jonas Folger that factory ride for 2017, but his contract also includes an extension in case both parties are okay with his performance during the rookie year.
Folger, 22, comes from Moto2 and is one of the gambles of Herve Poncharal, if we can say so. The German entered the World Championship in 2008, and has grabbed 16 podiums and four victories across all classes, so he's not exactly a star.
However, his consistent performance in the intermediate class is a good business card Yamaha appreciates. Poncharal himself admits that nothing is taken for granted and there is also much hope involved in Folger's evolution: "It may be difficult to predict what will happen, as some riders adapt instantly whilst others need some time, but I am certain that he will be fast, have fun and become a strong Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider. I’d like to welcome him and I want to assure Jonas that the whole team and Yamaha Factory Racing are very happy that he will join us and for sure, everyone will do their best to assist him in moving forward in the top class."
Now, with the second Tech 3 seat already taken by an "outsider," the MotoGP riders whose contracts expire at the end of the season have one less option as far as the top teams go. It also looks like Tech 3 might also lay off Pol Espargaro in case they can get their hands on Alex Rins, as Lin Jarvis already said that Yamaha is interested in him. Other names that appeared on the short list for Tech 3 are those of Johann Zarco and even Alex Lowes, even though his standing contract with Pata Yamaha in World Superbike might prevent the move.
Tech 3 offered Jonas Folger that factory ride for 2017, but his contract also includes an extension in case both parties are okay with his performance during the rookie year.
Folger, 22, comes from Moto2 and is one of the gambles of Herve Poncharal, if we can say so. The German entered the World Championship in 2008, and has grabbed 16 podiums and four victories across all classes, so he's not exactly a star.
However, his consistent performance in the intermediate class is a good business card Yamaha appreciates. Poncharal himself admits that nothing is taken for granted and there is also much hope involved in Folger's evolution: "It may be difficult to predict what will happen, as some riders adapt instantly whilst others need some time, but I am certain that he will be fast, have fun and become a strong Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider. I’d like to welcome him and I want to assure Jonas that the whole team and Yamaha Factory Racing are very happy that he will join us and for sure, everyone will do their best to assist him in moving forward in the top class."
Now, with the second Tech 3 seat already taken by an "outsider," the MotoGP riders whose contracts expire at the end of the season have one less option as far as the top teams go. It also looks like Tech 3 might also lay off Pol Espargaro in case they can get their hands on Alex Rins, as Lin Jarvis already said that Yamaha is interested in him. Other names that appeared on the short list for Tech 3 are those of Johann Zarco and even Alex Lowes, even though his standing contract with Pata Yamaha in World Superbike might prevent the move.
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