Ex-MotoGP rider Jonas Folger leaves Bonovo BMW team

Jonas Folger will take no further part in his rookie 2021 World Superbike campaign after Bonovo MGM BMW decided to end their season early. 

The two sides have officially parted ways and will therefore not continue beyond 2021, while Folger’s future in World Superbike remains uncertain. 

The former MotoGP rider has endured a difficult first season in the championship, much like another former grand prix rider Tito Rabat - left Barni Ducati following Magny-Cours.

An early eighth place finish in Aragon was the German rider’s standout result, while Assen saw him battle for the top six in race one before crashing out. 

The decision not to continue came after last weekend’s round 11 in Portimao, with Folger saying: "I have mixed emotions. On the one hand I am sad to leave the team, but on the other, I am a bit relieved that this difficult year is over. 

"We had another difficult race at our finale and, unfortunately, nothing improved again. I really had problems in the middle of the corner and at the exit of the corner. I could not slide the BMW cleanly out of the corners but had rather aggressive sliding. 

"I couldn't ride like that. I tried it and played with the traction, but that only made it worse. Then I just finished like that. 

"I would like to thank my whole team of course. We entered WorldSBK together this year. We had a lot of joy together, but also shared sorrow. 

"I will definitely remember the beautiful moments, having taken everyone here to my heart."