Folger diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome

The health problem that has sidelined rookie Jonas Folger for the final MotoGP races of 2017 and led to his “body shutting down” has been diagnosed, according to his Tech 3 Yamaha team.

Folger, 24, has been out of action since what was presumed to be a case of mononucleosis ruled him out of last month's Motegi race.

The German, who is contracted with Tech 3 through 2018, has since missed rounds at Phillip Island and Sepang, and will not be present at the season finale in Valencia either.

After visiting specialists in his native Germany, Folger has been diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome – a genetic ailment that precludes the liver from correctly processing bilirubin.

Tech 3's statement revealed that Folger had been affected by the condition for a number of years and that it worsened ahead of the Motegi race, rendering the German rider “bedridden”.

Following the diagnosis, Folger said: “It’s a huge relief that we now have a clear understanding of the situation and how to move forward. The past six weeks have been very difficult for me, not knowing what’s happening or why my body shut down completely.

“I’ve been living with elements of this since 2011 but I’ve always been able to overcome it and we never really knew what it was.

“It’s unfortunate that it took such a serious episode to finally diagnose the situation but I’m just thankful we now have some answers.

“I will be back and stronger than ever, fighting at the top of MotoGP."

A race winner in 125cc, Moto3 and Moto2, Folger currently sits 10th in the standings in his first season in the premier class.

His rookie campaign's highlight has been a victory challenge on home turf at the Sachsenring, where he claimed his maiden podium by finishing runner-up to Marc Marquez.

Tech 3's statement added that Folger is also nursing “a damaged nerve in the right vocal chords” as a consequence of a practice crash at Aragon.

As Folger continues his recovery, he will be replaced in Valencia by Michael van der Mark for what will be the Dutchman's second outing with Tech 3.