Former Yamaha MotoGP star Jonas Folger will make his WorldSBK debut next month as he wildcards at the Catalunya race.
The German will ride for Team Benovo Action by MGM Racing Yamaha at the Spanish track and says he wants to join the series full time.
“I am really happy to make my debut in World Superbike. It’s a very interesting class and I really like to ride the 1000cc motorcycles,” said Folger.
“With many riders already in this category that I have been racing in the past, the level is really high in WorldSBK. After such a long time not racing in the World Championship, I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve been away from the World Championships for quite some time now, but I am back because I decided to come back. I decided because I feel good; I’ve done some things in the last few years and it was a long process, but it will be a challenge just like everything in life.
“I am really looking forward to it and excited about this new chapter; there’s a new goal in my life that I want to achieve, and that’s what I’m working towards.”
“I really don’t know how close my bike will be with the factory Yamahas, but I think it is up to Yamaha what bike they will give me.
“I am pretty sure I will get some good material because I don’t think they’d give me a bike that I can’t fight for the top six with.
“I want to make many highlights and I hope that they will give me a good bike; we won’t be testing before either, so it is important that everything works good with me and the team, and not have any issues with the bike.”
Folger’s MotoGP career was cut short after a stunning maiden podium at his home German GP in July 2017, Folger then sat out the end of the season after beginning to suffer with illness.
Subsequently diagnosed with a rare strain of Gilbert Syndrome, a common genetic disorder affecting two to five per cent of the population where the liver is unable to process toxins effectively, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider reset his focus on recovery ahead of 2018 but found himself unable to do so.
Folger took part in a couple of Moto2 wildcard rides before moving to the German IDM series this year and winning both races at the Assen season opener.
