Ex-MotoGP rider Jonas Folger lands full-time WorldSBK deal for 2021

Former MotoGP rider Jonas Folger will return to the international stage in 2021 after landing a new deal to compete as one of two BMW-supported satellite entries.

A three-time race winner in Moto2, Folger stepped up to MotoGP in 2017 with the Tech 3 Yamaha team and impressed in his rookie campaign, securing a handful of top ten results, including a famous run to the podium at his home German MotoGP at the Sachsenring.

However, when the debilitating Gilbert’s Syndrome - an illness that saps energy - forced him out of action before the season was up and sidelined him for the entirety of the 2018 season, it wasn’t until 2019 when Folger would race competitively again with a handful of Moto2 outings.

MotoGP 2020 Riders' Championship Race Visualised

Since then, Folger has returned to full-time action in the German-based IDM Superbike Championship, where he proceeded to trounce the opposition with a clean sweep of eight wins from eight races. In addition, he made his WorldSBK debut with wild-cards entries in Catalunya and Estoril, yielding a best finish of tenth from six races.

Now it has been confirmed Folger will switch full-time in 2021 under the MGM-prepared Benovo Action team he clinched his IDM Superbike title, with BMW providing factory assistance with its new M 1000 RR entry.

BMW will also support the RC Squadra Corse outfit, which steps up to WorldSBK from WorldSSP - where it has been running the factory MV Agusta effort - with Eugene Laverty on the bike.

"I am overjoyed that I will be able to compete as a fixed starter in the Superbike World Championship next year. At the same time, it is a great honor for me that BMW, by which I mean Bonovo action, MGM Racing and myself, has chosen us for the task of forming a satellite team. I think this combination is very promising. 

“We are definitely going into our rookie season with great expectations and we have a lot to do with BMW. The overall package should always be competitive, as the BMW Superbike is at a very high level and the new machine has also been well developed. I hope we will have our first test very soon."

“Since the technology is completely new to us, we want to start preparing for the season on the racetrack as soon as possible. In any case, with the signing of the contract, the first big step for 2021 has already been taken. 

“I would therefore like to thank BMW for their trust in me, and Mr. Jürgen Röder from Bonovo action and Michael Galinski from MGM Racing for their efforts to realize this project. Of course, I would also like to thank all the sponsors who contributed to the creation. I'm really looking forward to the new challenge and can hardly wait until I can get on my new racing machine for the first time."