The painful GASGAS experience with Pol Espargaró confirms that, in today's MotoGP, the injury of a starting rider is more a slump than an opportunity to reveal the talent of a replacement. Because there are no more of these replacements. The level of competition is such and that of the machines so technically high that, from the team to the driver, we think twice before taking the plunge. So much so that even when an offer is made to Moto2 riders to join the elite during an off-season for a starting position, some prefer to procrastinate so as not to burn their wings. So, for a simple freelance job, imagine the reluctance... But we cannot let the vacant places and the starting grid become empty. So Jonas Folger will be at GASGAS Tech3 in Austin. A return to competition for the 29-year-old German on the most selective track on the calendar in a category that has never been so tough...
We will also recall regarding Jonas Folger that he has not challenged the circuit of the Grand Prix of the Americas for six years and that he only had eight days of testing on the RC16, without seeking the slightest performance. Not only due to lack of experience of KTM, but also because the Austrian factory must reduce the use of new tires during testing, because the quota has been reduced for 2023.
In short, Jonas Folger is going to waste, and we are well aware of this within the Pierer Mobility AG group which is multiplying messages of appeasement to avoid any build-up of pressure around its new test pilot… “ We want to take the pressure off Jonas Folger and send the message that we don't expect any points from him in Texas ”, explained Pete Beirer in an interview with speedweek. " We hope that Jonas will stay with us as a test pilot for many years » he even adds.
« Jonas Folger will not be under any pressure to achieve results at GASGAS »
Would we be worried in Mattighofen? “ We only expect Jonas to survive his missions as Pol's replacement and bring the bike safely to the finish line », insists the director of Pierer Motorsport. “ His times will not be relevant. Jonas has nothing to demonstrate. We are grateful that he has the confidence to take on this difficult task and that he enjoys racing. This demands a lot of respect from us and shows that he remains a racing driver at heart. At 29, he is in his racing prime ". And he ends: “ we will give Jonas all the support we can. But he won't be under any pressure to get results with us now ».
Certainly, but in a competition of such a level and such an international reputation, a team must be able to compensate for the absence of its regular drivers when they are injured. This is why there are clear regulations and third driver contracts. At Yamaha, Crutchlow held his place by succeeding Dovizioso in the last part of the 2022 season, At Ducati, Pirro is always ready for plan B and at Honda Stefan bradl is a must. And even if they are not enthusiastic, like Crutchlow made it known in his time, they go to coal because it's their job. To govern is to plan, at KTM like elsewhere, where Dani Pedrosa chooses its exits and behind which there is no one. Because what can we hope in all circumstances? Jonas Folger and Mika Kallio ? Yet they were recruited.
