It’s a bit of a mixed bag for the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad as they gear up for their home race at Le Mans. While the team is buzzing to be racing in front of their French fans, they’ve confirmed that Maverick Viñales won’t be in the saddle. Instead, the team is bringing back a familiar face, as Jonas Folger has been called up to fill the seat for the upcoming Grand Prix.
The Road to Recovery for Viñales
Maverick has been on the sidelines since undergoing corrective surgery at the end of March to remove a displaced screw in his shoulder. After pulling out of the Grand Prix of The United States and missing his home race at Jerez, the Spaniard had high hopes for a French comeback.
However, after a check-up at the Red Bull Athletic Performance Centre (APC) this week, the medical advice was clear: he’s just not strong enough yet. Viñales mentioned he’s disappointed but knows he needs to be at 100% before jumping back on his KTM machinery.
A Familiar Face Returns: Jonas Folger
With KTM reserve rider Pol Espargaró also busy with his own recovery programme, Tech3 needed a safe pair of hands. They’ve found them in Jonas Folger, the 32-year-old German who currently serves as the KTM 990 RC R development rider.
Folger is certainly no stranger to the Tech3 garage. In fact, all 19 of his premier class starts were with this very team. Fans will remember his standout podium at the Sachsenring in 2017, and he’s already proven he can handle the “super-sub” role after stepping in for Espargaró back in April 2023.
Le Mans will be a big challenge, going back after so many years away from racing,” Folger admitted. “It is going to be tough, for sure, but I believe the positives outweigh the difficulties.
Tech3 Head Home with Momentum
Despite the rider shuffle, there’s plenty of optimism in the garage. The team is coming off a solid showing in Jerez, where Enea Bastianini fought his way up to 10th in the riders’ standings.
Team Manager Nicolas Goyon is keen to keep that momentum going. He noted that Bastianini made “great progress” during the Jerez test and is feeling confident. Having two bikes back on the grid for their home race—especially with someone as experienced as Folger—means the team is looking forward to a strong weekend in front of their friends and family.
What’s Next?
As the 2026 season continues its European leg, all eyes will be on how quickly Folger can adapt to the racing pace at Le Mans. It’s a big ask, but with his history at Tech3, he’s arguably the best man for the job while Viñales focuses on getting fit for his eventual return.
