Tech3 Yamaha rider Jonas Folger believes he “finally showed” his potential after picking up his first MotoGP podium at the Sachsenring.
The fast-starting German lined up fifth but managed to snatch the lead away from Marc Marquez, although a mistake at the first corner meant the Honda rider found his way back through.
Folger, who stepped up to MotoGP after three years in Moto2, kept the pressure on Marquez during the remainder of the race but lost ground in the final laps, after a few mistakes.
“I don’t really know what to say other than I am so happy and I still can’t quite believe what we achieved,” Folger said.
“I fought with Marc for the victory and we had a great performance. I especially showed that I can get on the podium, which is a super feeling and a big boost for my confidence.
“In the past, [team-mate] Johann [Zarco] had a lot of good races whereas I sometimes didn’t because I made some small mistakes, but today I finally feel like I showed my potential.
“I think that we have to enjoy this moment and take the positive points that we made here to Brno and into the rest of the season.
“Thanks to my team for their work and I am already looking forward to getting back on my Yamaha in the Czech Republic after the summer break.”
