Folger: More to come after breakthrough MotoGP podium in Germany
Tech3 Yamaha rider Jonas Folger believes his breakthrough ride to second in last weekend's MotoGP German Grand Prix can act as a springboard for similar results in the future
Folger pushed Honda's Marc Marquez during Sunday's Sachsenring race, enjoying a five-lap spell in the lead and staying within one second of the reigning champion before his tyres "gave up".
He was still able to record a first podium since his graduation to the premier class, finishing a comfortable second ahead of the second works Honda of Dani Pedrosa.
"I wanted to prove exactly what I did - that I am not only fast in practice and can get one or two good results in the rain," said Folger.
"I [proved] also I can be strong on such a weekend, where I have a lot pressure, at home, that I can stay calm and turn the pressure into something positive, that I can be a strong rider.
"I believe there is a lot more to come."
Folger's second place marked the third time in six MotoGP races that the satellite Tech3 outfit has beaten the works Yamahas of Valentino and Maverick Vinales.
The factory pair finished fourth and fifth respectively in Germany, and for the past two rounds have been experimenting with new chassis.
"The factory team has problems right now and struggles, I believe on the chassis side," Folger added.
"But we are not looking at them.
"They have big concerns, as Johann and I are beating the factory team.
"But we concentrate on ourselves and try to make the best out of what we've got."
Folger's team-mate Zarco, who took Tech3's first podium of the year in his home race at Le Mans, recovered to finish ninth in Germany after qualifying 19th - a week after taking pole position at Assen.
But while his lowly grid slot was in part thanks to rain during the first part of Sachsenring qualifying, Zarco conceded he thought he would not have been capable of matching his team-mate's pace even if he had started higher up the order.
"Even if I started from the second row of the grid, like Jonas, I could not have this pace," said Zarco.
"I did all my laps in 1m22s, and he did the race in under 22s.
"Maybe it was possible to have fourth or fifth like Vinales and Rossi, because I had their pace, but the podium was not possible for me this weekend.
"I'm really happy for what he did, it's good for him, good for us also, for the team it's fantastic."
Previous article
Jack Miller set to take Scott Redding's Pramac Ducati MotoGP seat
Next article
Pol Espargaro says KTM can be 'really proud' of its start in MotoGP
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
How ‘El Diablo’ and ‘the Beast’ starred in MotoGP’s Misano contest
On a day each of the podium trio could claim to be the star of the show, the San Marino Grand Prix will be remembered as a pivotal race in both MotoGP’s present and future. While Fabio Quartararo demonstrated his world title credentials just behind Francesco Bagnaia’s flawless victory charge, a new threat emerged from the shadows
How Ducati’s Aragon MotoGP win harks to its past and its future
Duelling against Marc Marquez at the Aragon Grand Prix, Francesco Bagnaia came out on top to secure a long overdue MotoGP victory. As Marquez likened Bagnaia to a Ducati title contender of old, it appears the Italian rider could finally start to fight for wins on a more regular basis
Why Dovizioso is more of a temporary fix than a Yamaha gamble
OPINION: The return of Andrea Dovizioso to the grid at Misano will be an interesting subplot to the remainder of the 2021 MotoGP season. But the circumstances that have led to the former Ducati rider ending his sabbatical point to his signing being one more of convenience than a long-term commitment
Why the British GP was a triumph for MotoGP
OPINION: The 2021 British Grand Prix was a historic day for MotoGP. At the centre of it was Aleix Espargaro on the Aprilia after securing its first podium in the modern MotoGP era. It was something of a full-circle moment that highlighted just how far MotoGP has come in the last decade
Why Silverstone should be regarded as MotoGP's rightful UK home
OPINION: Many of the UK’s MotoGP fans would prefer Donington Park to host the British GP beyond the expiry of Silverstone's current deal. But the circuit's fast, flowing circuit provides the best racing and should be regarded as its best bet for the foreseeable future
How MotoGP's record smasher is facing his toughest challenge
The 2020 MotoGP season was an utterly enthralling affair, but few would argue with you if thought it the world championship was a poorer place without its biggest star Marc Marquez. In an exclusive interview, he explains the challenges he's faced in his comeback from injury and what he makes of the current MotoGP landscape
The other Austria 'shock' with major repercussions in MotoGP
The headlines after MotoGP's Austrian GP were naturally dominated by Brad Binder's heroics on slicks in the rain. But although seventh was, on the face of it, a fairly average result in the context of his season, that Fabio Quartararo was in contention for victory before the rain at Yamaha's worst venue should sound alarm bells for his rivals
Why Aprilia is a good bet for Vinales in MotoGP - but won't fix his big problem
The prelude to Maverick Vinales' move to Aprilia has been his tortured exit from Yamaha. But the Spanish rider must put allegations of sabotage, suspensions and unwanted personnel changes aside once he embarks upon his new journey, while Aprilia must find a way to get Vinales firing on all cylinders once again
