Folger withdraws from 2018 MotoGP title

MotoGP rider Jonas Folger has announced his withdrawal from the 2018 MotoGP season, unable to fully recover from the rare illness which sidelined the young German for the last four rounds of the 2017 championship.

The Monster Yamaha Tech3 man was diagnosed with a rare strain of Gilbert Syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects between two and five percent of the population, a disorder which prevents the liver from its ability to process toxins.

After being bed ridden in the lead up to the Japanese Grand Prix and coming close to collapsing, the 24-year old flew home to his native Germany where tests eventually uncovered his condition. And while the young talent worked hard to be physically and mentally prepared for the 2018 season, his expected recovery didn’t play out as planned.

“I’m incredibly sad to be saying this, but I will not be racing MotoGP in 2018,” Folger said. “I wasn’t able to make the improvements I was hoping for, and at this stage I don’t feel able to ride a MotoGP machine at 100 percent. I’d like to thank everyone involved, but especially the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team, Yamaha Factory Japan, Monster Energy, HJC, IXON, Forma Boots and Rudy Project.

“I hope to be back one day and want to thank you all for your ongoing support.”

Team manager Herve Poncheral said the news came via a phone call from Folger’s personal manager, Bob Moore.

“I couldn’t believe what Bob was telling me on the phone, that Jonas Folger has decided not to race the 2018 MotoGP season because he doesn’t feel 100 per cent mentally and physically recovered,” said Poncheral. “It is still very difficult for me to believe, that he’s not going to race with us in 2018, especially because he has been somebody I had lot of faith in and I was sure we would reach top level together this year. I completely respect his decision, although it’s hard to swallow.

“Yet, I will try to find a solution for a replacement rider, which is a very difficult mission, as all of the fast riders are already contracted. But as always in racing we need to be proactive, inventive and hopefully we can make someone very happy.

“We will keep all of you informed about the evolution of the situation.”