Folger to replace Viñales at French MotoGP
Jonas Folger will make a MotoGP return at Le Mans this weekend, with Red Bull KTM Tech3 calling on its former rider to replace the injured Maverick Viñales at the French Grand Prix.
Viñales had been aiming to return for round five of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, but the Le Mans weekend has come too soon following recent surgery on his left shoulder. The Spaniard visited the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre last week, where the decision was made to extend his absence rather than risk returning before he is back to full strength.
That means Tech3 will again field Enea Bastianini alongside a substitute rider, with Folger set to climb aboard the second KTM RC16.
The situation also comes with KTM’s regular stand-in option unavailable. Pol Espargaro, who has been hugely impressive in previous replacement and test-rider outings for KTM, is also recovering from a training-related injury. Espargaro’s recent appearances have underlined his value to the RC16 project, but KTM will instead turn to Folger for Le Mans.
Folger, now 32, knows the Tech3 structure well. All 19 of his premier-class starts came with the squad, including his standout podium at the Sachsenring in 2017. He also returned to the team as a replacement rider in 2023, when he stepped in for the injured Pol Espargaro and scored points at Assen.
Nicolas Goyon – Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager
“We have said from the very beginning that Maverick’s health and his recovery is the most important thing, so whilst it is disappointing he will not be with us at our home race, he knows his own body and when he will be ready to return. It is an important weekend for us as we are racing in front of our friends, family and fans, so it will be great to have two bikes back on track and Jonas back with us at Tech3. Following the test in Jerez, Enea has made great progress on the bike and is feeling confident heading into the Grand Prix, so we are positive we can have a strong weekend at home.”
His return comes at an interesting point in KTM’s season. While the Austrian manufacturer has not yet converted its evident pace into a full-strength four-rider assault, there have been clear signs of progress with the latest RC16. Pedro Acosta sits fourth in the championship after the opening phase of the season, Bastianini was eighth last time out at Jerez, and Brad Binder also remains in the points mix.
Viñales had also been starting to look increasingly comfortable on the KTM before his shoulder problem halted that momentum. His switch to Tech3 was always one of the more intriguing moves of the current MotoGP grid, and the combination had shown signs of promise before injury forced him back onto the sidelines.
For now, though, the priority is recovery rather than rushing the process.
“I’ve been working hard since the surgery to fully recover and have always had Le Mans in my head as my target race to return,” Viñales said.
“However, after attending the APC this week, I have been advised that I am not yet strong enough to jump back on the bike. Whilst I am disappointed, I understand being back to full strength is the most important thing and I will keep my head down and prioritise that.”
Folger said the call-up will be a major challenge, but one he is keen to take on.
“First of all, I want to wish Maverick a strong and quick recovery,” Folger said.
“On a personal level, I am really excited to be coming back together with all the guys at Tech3. I have some history with this team and it will be great to see everyone again.
“Le Mans will be a big challenge, going back after so many years away from racing, and getting back on the bike will mean adapting quickly and learning a lot across the weekend. It is going to be tough, for sure, but I believe the positives outweigh the difficulties and I am very much looking forward to it. I cannot wait.”
KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer said the decision to keep Viñales out was understandable, particularly given the depth and competitiveness of the current MotoGP field.
“This was not an easy decision for Maverick to make but we fully understand the desire to return to the paddock when he is ready to race,” Beirer said.
“He just needs a bit more time and we know his potential. For Le Mans we’re thankful that the Tech3 team could call on Jonas and we’re pleased he accepted the challenge with Pol also recovering from his training issue.
“MotoGP is so tight and competitive, as well as complex for the racers, so big respect to Jonas and I hope he enjoys the Grand Prix.”
The French Grand Prix will be held at Le Mans from May 8-10.
2026 MotoGP Championship Standings
 |
||
|
Pos
|
Rider
|
Points
|
|
1
|
M. Bezzecchi
|
101
|
|
2
|
J. Martin
|
90
|
|
3
|
F. Di Giannantonio
|
71
|
|
4
|
P. Acosta
|
66
|
|
5
|
M. Marquez
|
57
|
|
6
|
R. Fernandez
|
54
|
|
7
|
A. Marquez
|
53
|
|
8
|
A. Ogura
|
48
|
|
9
|
F. Bagnaia
|
34
|
|
10
|
E. Bastianini
|
30
|
|
11
|
B. Binder
|
28
|
|
12
|
L. Marini
|
27
|
|
13
|
F. Morbidelli
|
25
|
|
14
|
J. Zarco
|
24
|
|
15
|
F. Aldeguer
|
20
|
|
16
|
F. Quartararo
|
11
|
|
17
|
D. Moreira
|
9
|
|
18
|
J. Mir
|
4
|
|
19
|
A. Rins
|
3
|
|
20
|
T. Razgatlioglu
|
1
|
|
21
|
J. Miller
|
0
|
|
22
|
M. Viñales
|
0
|
|
23
|
M. Pirro
|
0
|
|
24
|
A. Fernandez
|
0
|
2026 MotoGP Calendar
|
|||
|
Rnd
|
Date
|
Event
|
Circuit
|
| 1 |
01 Mar
|
Thai
|
Chang International Circuit
|
| 2 |
22 Mar
|
Brazil*
|
Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna
|
| 3 |
29 Mar
|
US
|
Circuit of the Americas
|
| 4 |
26 Apr
|
Spain**
|
Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto
|
| 5 |
10 May
|
France
|
Le Mans
|
| 6 |
17 May
|
Catalonia
|
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
|
| 7 |
31 May
|
Italy
|
Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello
|
| 8 |
07 Jun
|
Hungary
|
Balaton Park Circuit
|
| 9 |
21 Jun
|
Czech
|
Automotodrom Brno
|
| 10 |
28 Jun
|
Netherlands
|
TT Circuit Assen
|
| 11 |
12 Jul
|
Germany
|
Sachsenring
|
| 12 |
09 Aug
|
GB
|
Silverstone Circuit
|
| 13 |
30 Aug
|
Aragon
|
MotorLand Aragon
|
| 14 |
13 Sep
|
San Marino
|
Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
|
| 15 |
20 Sep
|
Austria
|
Red Bull Ring-Spielberg
|
| 16 |
04 Oct
|
Japan
|
Mobility Resort Motegi
|
| 17 |
11 Oct
|
Indonesia
|
Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit
|
| 18 |
25 Oct
|
Australia
|
Phillip Island
|
| 19 |
01 Nov
|
Malaysia
|
Petronas Sepang International Circuit
|
| 20 |
08 Nov
|
Qatar
|
Lusail International Circuit
|
| 21 |
22 Nov
|
Portugal
|
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
|
| 22 |
29 Nov
|
Valencia
|
Circuit Ricardo Tormo
|
