Tenth in Qatar then sixth in Argentina, the German is currently in sixth position in the provisional World Championship standings with 16 points. His best results at the Austin circuit were fifth and sixth places in Moto2.
According to Jonas Folger, “ I'm excited for the next race in America, especially after the Argentine GP, where we had such a good weekend. We learned a lot there, but the area I improved the most was myself, plus we made really good progress in terms of starting a GP.
“So, I'll take all the positives from there to Texas and I'm sure we can make more progress and score good points for the Championship, just like we did at the last GP. I really like the COTA circuit which is physically demanding, and after the good result in the last race I have a high level of optimism.
“I feel confident on the bike and we are all keen to move forward, so I am very excited about my Yamaha on this impressive track. »
To Hervé Poncharal, his team manager, “ The upcoming Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, is the event that the entire paddock is always waiting for. However, it is especially important for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team because we always have great support from Yamaha USA, who look after us so well, and I have to mention Bob Starr, who lives up to his last name so well !
“This race is also very important for us because our main sponsor, Monster Energy, is American, as are our other sponsors Stanley Black and Decker and we will do our best to represent these two partners in a positive way.
“After the great weekend we had in Argentina, our two drivers returned to Europe where they had a well-deserved rest and did some training. Now it's time to head to Texas, and both love the Austin track, plus I think what they achieved in the last GP has boosted their confidence.
“Johann and Jonas know they can finish in the top six, so the challenge will be to fight for a similar result this time too. There were a few crashes in Argentina, but if our guys can get into the top eight and ahead of some of the top riders, it will be a great race.
“Everyone in the team is fully motivated and the weekend between Argentina and Texas was well received, but now we are ready to put on a good show for our American fans and friends. »
Photos: Jonas Folger during the Argentine GP © Tech 3
