Jorge Lorenzo might only be one month into his MotoGP retirement but focus on his future is already dominating the next pivotal move within the paddock.
Valentino Rossi has described Yamaha’s decision to drop Jonas Folger as its MotoGP test rider from next year as “a shame” and warns it needs riders capable of matching race lap times to be effective.
Here’s the latest round-up of MotoGP gossip starting with early preparations for the 2021 rider market set to start at the 2019 finale in Valencia next weekend.
After a wet Monday, the first dry MotoGP laps of the new KymiRing circuit were held during the final day of testing in Finland. Test riders from all six manufacturers were present this week to gather data on the new venue, which is set for a mid-summer place on the 2020 calendar.
Jonas Folger says it was his decision to 'cancel' any further stand-in appearances for the Petronas Moto2 team, as he nears ' fundamental decisions about my career as a racer'.
Khairul Idham Pawi has undergone a second surgery on his right hand injury which has blighted his 2019 Moto2 campaign with the Petronas Sprinta Racing squad.
Jonas Folger will return to action for the Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto2 team for the remainder of the Czech Republic round to replace Khairul Idham Pawi who is suffering with severe hand pain after Friday practice at Brno.
Jonas Folger to make his racing comeback at the Catalan Moto2 race at Petronas Sprinta Racing after initial replacement rider Mattia Pasini suffered a broken collarbone.
Valentino Rossi and Movistar Yamaha team-mate Maverick Vinales have welcomed the news that 2017 MotoGP podium finisher Jonas Folger is to become the factory's new European test rider .
KTM initially thought its MotoGP test programme would be less important in 2019, when the factory will double its presence on the grid to four bikes with the addition of Tech3.
It is now looks certain that Yamaha will boost its MotoGP development programme by setting up a European test team - and rider - for 2019, mirroring Honda's move in signing Stefan Bradl this year.
Two performances, a year apart, helped inspire Valentino Rossi to a podium finish in the German MotoGP. The first was by Jonas Folger, who battled Marc Marquez for victory as a rookie at the Sachsenring in 2017, riding a satellite Yamaha.