Folger secures MotoGP promotion with Tech 3

A race winner in 125cc, Moto3 and Moto2, 22-year-old Folger currently sits fifth in the Moto2 standings, riding a Kalex for the Intact GP team.

The German will run his first laps on Tech 3's Yamaha YZR-M1 in the MotoGP post-season test at Valencia.

"I am super excited about the news and I still can’t believe this is happening," Folger said.

"I have been racing for years in the motorcycling world championship and to make the move up to the premier class is a dream come true.

"I will try my absolute best to repay the faith the team has put in me, and I’m really looking forward to the new adventure. However, I will remain completely focused for the rest of the year in the intermediate class but I can’t wait for Valencia where I will sample the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time."

At Tech 3, Folger, in effect, replaces Bradley Smith, who will move to KTM after four years with the French squad.

"It’s always a very important and tough decision to make when it’s time for us to choose a young rider to start his career in the MotoGP class," said team boss Herve Poncharal.

"We have been thinking a lot about who has the best profile to replace Brad, who has done a great job with Tech 3 for four years and is now ready to move to a full factory team.

"Having thoroughly checked all the names and details of the young riders in various championships, the name Jonas Folger came out on top. He’s a nice person, very fast and he is going to have a strong season in Moto2 this year, where he hopefully will win the title, which would be the dream situation."

The team will maintain a two-bike line-up in 2017, with Poncharal having recently told Motorsport.com that keeping Pol Espargaro would be "ideal".