Source: Supplied.

German MotoGP rookie Jonas Folger displayed his premier class potential with a spirited ride to second at Sachsenring on Sunday, almost denying world champion Marc Marquez of an eighth-straight win at the circuit.

Monster Yamaha Tech3 newcomer Folger started from fifth on the grid and surged through to the lead on lap six, before Marquez manged to counter-attack and go on to the victory. Still, it was an impressive showing from the home hero.

“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 beamed. “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, 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 the Czech Republic.”

Folger’s previous best result in the premier class came at both Argentina and Barcelona, currently seventh in the world championship standings following nine rounds and entering the annual European summer break.