Former WorldSBK rider Jonas Folger confirms he won't be racing in 2022

Jonas Folger has confirmed he will not be racing in 2022 after failing to remain in the WorldSBK championship.

The former MotoGP rider began the 2021 WorldSBK season with Bonovo MGM BMW, but after a run of poor results he and the team decided to part ways before the season was finished - last race appearance came during race two in Portimao. 

A one-time MotoGP podium finisher and 14-time podium finisher in Moto2 (including three wins), Folger remained in talks with Bonovo BMW about racing the 2022 EWC (Endurance World Championship). 

However, talks regarding a deal broke down before the same occurred with the ERC Ducati team, the latter due to financial reasons. 

Despite it being the third time since 2019 that Folger is without a full-time world championship ride, the German rider is hoping to secure something concrete for 2023. 

"I'm not doing anything in terms of racing this year," Folger told Speedweek.com. "I told you last year that I have a few things that I'm currently building up. That will take a lot of time. 

"I will still be on the racetrack a lot so you will see me often. I am also always available as a substitute rider if something arises somewhere. If it fits, I'll be happy to do something like that. 

"Let's see if there is something with a fixed place for next year - not this year for the time being."

The Bonovo BMW outfit, who was a one-rider team last year, have since expanded to a two rider set-up for 2022 after signing Eugene Laverty and a returning Loris Baz.