If it weren't for Pedro Acosta in Moto3, it would be obvious that Raúl Fernández would appear as the big revelation of this first part of the Grand Prix season. Both operate under the identical KTM colors and the budding duo is the subject of the same desires from adversaries. A sensitive subject that was initially closed on the Austrian side since the two young Spaniards can no longer be found on the transfer market list. But the year is not over, and Raúl Fernández intends to gain even more power…
The balance sheet of Raul Fernandez after his first nine races in Moto2 career already speaks for itself. He finished on the podium six times. The 20-year-old newcomer to the grid has been on the top step of the podium twice: he won both the Grand Prix at Portimao in Le Mans and the final event at Assen. “ It was an incredible first semester he says. " Apart from the mistake at the German Grand Prix, it was an almost perfect start, especially considering I was new to the category. The results are a dream come true and of course I am very happy with them ».
The highlight for the Spaniard is not the first victory in Moto2 at Portimão, but the success Netherlands. " For me personally, Assen was the best moment. Winning like this after the mistake at Sachsenring gave me a lot of self-confidence. There is no better way to end the first semester », Enthuses Fernández.
And the five-time Grand Prix winner specifies: “ I can never thank the team enough for giving me the chance and all the means to reach my potential. It was a pleasure to mature under the wing of Aki Ajo, he helped me a lot. The good results are the reward for all the work I have done before. And it is undoubtedly very important ».
Raúl Fernández: “I first have to turn off for a moment to get back on the bike”
The recruit Moto2 take advantage of the summer break to rest and then prepare for the second half of the season. “ I want to relax for a few weeks, the rest of the time I will train and prepare as best as possible for my return to the track. But first I have to switch off for a while to get back on the bike with full enthusiasm and give myself one hundred percent like before », he reveals.
During this first part of the campaign, Raul Fernandez was approached by Petronas for the handlebars of one of his Yamahas. KTM put the kibosh on this offensive. Now, the Spaniard seems happy to follow the path of the Austrian brand and two options are available to him: a move up to MotoGP under the Tech3 colors to find his current teammate on the RC16 Remy gardner, leader of the championship, and also first rival for the crown. Or do a second year in Moto2, under the same colors, which would allow him to consider MotoGP in 2023 with more options…
Moro2 championship ranking after Assen (9/19):
Credit classification motogp.com
