In 2023, Jonas Folger arrived at KTM to replace the injured Pol Espargaró at GasGas Tech3, but also as a test rider – a role he maintains this year, even though the Spaniard has also taken on the role.
This took some work off the German, who explained to the site SPEEDWEEK.com the division of tasks – being, alongside Mika Kallio, in a more backstage position:
– Last year there were 30 to 35 test days, plus my Grand Prix races due to Pol Espargaró’s injury. Last year was tough, this year started a bit calmer because Pol entered as a test rider. Pol is currently riding more because he is preparing for the wildcards. Mika Kallio and I are a bit in the background, we ride and also take care of the WP suspension components. These are developing parts that will later revert to the MotoGP team. If KTM needs me, I’m here and work for them.
For Folger, his current role is ideal: ‘I am very happy to be at KTM, there is no better position for me right now. I like doing this, I really like it, I feel comfortable in the test team and with KTM. Everything is very familiar, I can imagine well that I will do this for a long time. I think age is irrelevant when you see Dani [Pedrosa]. A fast test rider also remains fast. You just have to ride and you need days on the bike. If I don’t sit on the KTM for half a year, then I can’t assume that I will catch up to where Pol is now, let alone Dani for years. It depends on the intensity and also on individual intentions‘.
