Overview
- Vinales will sit out the French Grand Prix on medical advice following left‑shoulder surgery, and Tech3 named Folger as his stand‑in for Le Mans.
- Pedrosa, KTM’s veteran test rider, rejected a race return despite quick test times, saying his racing days are over.
- MotoGP rules require each team to field two riders when race weekends are less than ten days apart, which pushed Tech3 to secure a substitute.
- Folger called the call‑up a surprise, completed two test days at Mugello, and said getting back up to speed on current Michelin tyres is his main hurdle.
- With Pol Espargaro also injured and Enea Bastianini lacking a direct teammate reference, the team is targeting a possible Vinales comeback at the Catalunya round.