Yamaha Tech 3’s Jonas Folger will sit out the Japanese GP and return immediately to his native Germany for medical checks.
The Clinica Mobile medical staff examined Folger on Wednesday and recommended that he undertake further tests in Munich, with his participation in the next two rounds being doubtful.
The entire team have wished the German a swift and full recovery, with Yamaha test rider Kohta Nozane then called up to replace Folger.
Nozane, a Yamaha test rider and a member of the YART team in the Endurance World Championship, has ridden the track before in his testing duties for the Japanese factory – and says it’s his favourite track. It will be his first time racing in the premier class.
“This is big surprise for me! I still can’t believe that I will ride at the Grand Prix of Japan.” Commented Nozane
“Motegi is my favourite circuit, and I have ridden the YZR-M1 with Michelin tyres here before as a Yamaha test rider. It will be an honour to ride on home soil like a MotoGP rider.”
“I would like to thank Yamaha and Monster Yamaha Tech3 for giving me this opportunity.”
