Long subject to problems, it was during the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi that the seriousness of the German driver's illness became evident, when he had to withdraw from the Japanese race, then unfortunately for the following three Grands Prix in Australia, Malaysia and Valencia. The situation did not then improve for Jonas, victim of a form of Gilbert syndrome, a genetic disease, unfortunately chronic.
It is therefore with the greatest regret that the Tech 3 driver is forced to interrupt his brilliant career, marked last year by an extraordinary fight for victory at the German Grand Prix against Marc Marquez. In 2017, he finished eight times in the top 10 during the 13 Grands Prix in which he participated. He had to withdraw once during the season during the British GP following a fall following a brake problem during practice.
Jonas said: I'm very sad to announce this, but I will not be competing in the 2018 season. I haven't been able to recover as I wanted and at the moment I don't feel like riding a MotoGP. I would like to thank everyone who supports me: Monster Yamaha Tech3, Yamaha Factory Japan, Monster Energy, HJC, IXON, Forma Boots and Rudy Project. I hope to be back one day. »
Disease
Gilbert syndrome (also called Gilbert disease) is a genetic abnormality of bilirubin metabolism leading to an increase in its level in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). The only symptom is variable jaundice which can be caused by several conditions such as fatigue, stress, fasting or infection. The cause is a genetic decrease of 20 to 30% in the activity of a hepatic enzyme, bilirubin glucuronosyltransferase. This enzyme allows the transformation of unconjugated bilirubin into conjugated bilirubin allowing its elimination. In the case of Gilbert's disease, the natural destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) leads to the formation of unconjugated bilirubin which will accumulate, causing symptoms of "jaundice" (jaundice). This disease is chronic and there is no treatment.
A superb track record
Born on August 13, 1993 in Mühldorf, Jonas Folger debuted in the 125 cc World Championship in 3 and the following year the German was on the podium at Le Mans. Crowned Rookie of the Year, the German driver joined Aki Ajo's team two years later, for whom he achieved success in England. In 2008, Jonas Folger obtained another first place, in Brno in Moto2012.
In 2014, he moved to Moto2, where he rode for two seasons on a Kalex from the AGR team, with two victories in 2015 at Losail and Jerez, and a sixth place in the final standings of the World Championship. Folger then moved to Dynavolt Intact GP and won the Czech Republic Grand Prix. In 2017, Jonas Folger joined the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team and had a great season, unfortunately cut short by his painful illness.
Who will replace him ?
While all the contracts have been signed for a long time for 2018, it is not going to be easy for Tech 3 to find a replacement at short notice for Folger. It may be possible to upgrade an official Yamaha rider like Katsuyuki Nakasuga, planned for the Japanese SBK Championship, or Michael van der Mark or Alex Lowes, scheduled for World Superbike. It's going to be even more difficult to find a teammate Johann zarco that the Sepang tests begin in around ten days. We could also think of riders who have just left MotoGP forced and forced, like Loris Baz, Sam Lowes or Hector Barbera. But their team planned for 2018 would certainly not look favorably on a last minute defection and it is not in the Tech3 team's mentality to undress Paul to dress Jacques. Finally, Folger's place would probably attract riders who do not have permanent handlebars in MotoGP, but who proved in 2017 as testers and wild cards their abilities in the category, such as Michele Pirro, Sylvain Guintoli or Mika Kallio.
Tech3 press release (translation MotoGP.com)
Jonas Folger (Monster Yamaha Tech3), who was forced to miss the last four events of the 2017 calendar following health problems, will not make his return in 2018; announcement made just ten days before the first Official Test of the year which will be held at the Sepang track.
The decision was not easy to make for the German, author of a podium in front of his home crowd while it was his first season in MotoGP™. But the latter believes that he is not yet at 100% of his physical and mental capacities at the moment; the Germanic pilot preferring to recover fully and without pressure.
Hervé Poncharal :
“Last night I received a phone call from Bob Moore, Jonas Folger's personal manager. I couldn't believe what he was telling me: that Jonas had decided not to run in 2018, because he doesn't yet feel 100% physically and mentally. It's really hard for me to imagine that he won't play the season. He's a boy I really had hope for. I was convinced that it was going to come out this year. I totally respect his decision, even if it is difficult to take. We will try to find a replacement, which will not be easy because most of the drivers are already under contract. But we will have to find a solution and we will make at least one person happy. We will keep you informed of developments in the situation. »
Jonas Folger :
“I'm very sad to announce this, but I will not be competing in the 2018 season. I haven't been able to recover as I wanted and at the moment I don't feel like riding a MotoGP™ . I would like to thank everyone who supports me: Monster Yamaha Tech3, Yamaha Factory Japan, Monster Energy, HJC, IXON, Forma Boots and Rudy Project. I hope to be back one day. »
See the exclusive interview with Hervé Poncharal on this subject
I'm so sad to be writing this but I will not be racing in MotoGP in 2018. I have not made the improvements I had hoped I would, and at this stage I don't feel able to ride a MotoGP machine. I'd like to thank everyone involved, but especially Tech3. I hope to make it back one day.
— Jonas Folger (@JonasFolger94) January 17, 2018
Photo © Tech 3
