GasGas replacement driver Jonas Folger has already scored points in his first MotoGP outing The German, who has stood in for regular driver Pol Espargaro since the Grand Prix in Austin, finished the race in the USA in twelfth place and conceded four World Championship points.
Folger benefited from the many failures of the other drivers. When crossing the finish line, the 29-year-old was 68 seconds behind. Of the 22 drivers who started, 10 crashed. Compatriot Stefan Bradl (Honda) also went away empty-handed when he replaced the injured Marc Marquez. In the penultimate lap Bradl fell and could not explain the departure.
It was therefore not a matter of course that Folger was able to finish the race without complications despite the lack of experience with the KTM RC16. “I expected a difficult race and it was difficult. But I felt much more comfortable on the bike,” says Folger, recognizing progress in adapting the machine to his riding style.
Advances in seating position make work easier for Jonas Folger
“Saturday evening we talked a lot with the team and worked together to improve the ergonomics and identify the areas where I can improve,” reports Folger. “We solved a few things and I understood the bike better. I’m happy about that.”
“We were quicker than on Saturday and at the same time more consistent. That’s very positive for me. I’m very grateful to my team – they listened to me and my comments very well and we worked well together, without pressure. They understand that the situation is not easy for me, they appreciate my work and I’m happy to be surrounded by these good people,” Folger praises the work of the Tech 3 team, which is responsible for GasGas’ MotoGP project.
The sprint race on Saturday was less successful for Folger than the main race. In 20th place, the GasGas reserve pilot went away empty-handed. “It was a really tough race for me because the bike felt different than in practice and qualifying,” he muses.
“We made small changes to the fork, but the feeling was bad, probably also because of the heat,” Folger looks for the reasons. When he crossed the finish line, he was almost 47 seconds behind. “I had hoped for more from the sprint race,” he admits.
GasGas is happy about Jonas Folger’s four championship points
The GasGa camp was happy about the points in the main race. Team manager Nicolas Goyon was Folger’s crew chief during the Tech 3 Yamaha days. Goyon therefore knows the German very well.
“As for Jonas Folger, we stayed calm after the sprint, analyzed the data, talked to him a lot and adjusted a lot of things on the bike to improve his seating position,” comments the GasGas Team Manager.
“And it looks like it all paid off. He drove two seconds faster than his fastest lap on Saturday and managed to score points for the team with a great twelfth place,” says Goyon, pleased about his flawless drive protégé.