Maverick Vinales will not race this weekend’s [8–10 May] French MotoGP as the Spaniard continues to recover from shoulder injuries sustained last year.

Vinales already missed the Spanish MotoGP at the end of April but was not replaced there. From this weekend in France Jonas Folger will step into Vinales’ side of the Tech3 garage, the German called up since Pol Espargaro is injured.

“I've been working hard since the surgery to fully recover and have always had Le Mans in my head as my target race to return,” said Vinales.

“However, after attending the APC [Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre] this week, I have been advised that I am not yet strong enough to jump back on the bike. 

“Whilst I am disappointed, I understand being back to full strength is the most important thing and I will keep my head down and prioritise that.”

For Folger, it will be a first MotoGP race since 2023 when he replaced Pol Espargaro for six races after the Spaniard crashed in Practice at Portimao. In the French Grand Prix that year, Folger finished 13th.

“First of all, I want to wish Maverick [Vinales] a strong and quick recovery,” said Folger.

“On a personal level, I am really excited to be coming back together with all the guys at Tech3 – I have some history with this team and it will be great to see everyone again. 

“Le Mans will be a big challenge, going back after so many years away from racing, and getting back on the bike will mean adapting quickly and learning a lot across the weekend. 

“It is going to be tough, for sure, but I believe the positives outweigh the difficulties and I am very much looking forward to it. I cannot wait.”