Monster Yamaha’s Jonas Folger has been forced to fly home from the Motegi MotoGP round without even turning a wheel and suspects an Epstein Barr virus attack.

The German has been feeling weak since the Misano round and struggled to leave his hotel room in Japan, pulling out of various Yamaha events as his energy levels are so low.

“I came to Japan and was motivated for these three flyaway races, but I’ve been feeling really weak since the Misano and Aragon rounds. On arrival here, I have been struggling with my energy levels, even leaving the hotel room was impossible for me, and unfortunately, I had to miss some Yamaha events, which I’m very sorry for,” said Folger.

I met with Hervé on Wednesday night and we agreed to go for a check with the doctors this morning. I met with Dr Charte and the Clinica Mobile team and they have advised me to return to Germany right away for a series of blood tests. I’ve had Epstein Barr virus in the past and it’s a possibility that this has flared up again and resurfaced, but we can’t be sure until I’ve had these tests in Munich.

“I’m really sorry for my whole team and Yamaha at their home race and would like to thank them for all their support. Also sorry to my personal sponsors, I appreciate them all standing by me at this difficult time. Now we must remain positive and aim to come back stronger.”

Yamaha Superbike rider Kohta Nozane will stand-in for Folger at Motegi while Michael Van Der Mark could be on the bike at Sepang as the Phillip Island round clashes with Jerez WorldSBK.