By Alberto Cercós García / Motosan.es
Interview with driver Raúl Fernández (October 23, 2000, Madrid), one of the sensations of the season Moto3 which has just ended.
The Madrid driver went from less to more in an unusual and strange season for everyone. Two victories, four podiums and six poles are the assets of Raúl Fernández who sinned through inexperience in the category at the start of the year. The learning and evolution he made during the months of racing allowed him to move to Moto2 in 2021, also with KTM. Fernández recognizes that his reference driver is Maverick Viñales, and overflows with happiness to have taken the step towards the intermediate category and to be able to give himself a remarkable mark during this last season.
It's been two weeks since the end of the World Championship: How are you spending your vacation?
“I'm taking these two weeks off to quietly take stock and assimilate the whole year. When I finished I was able to try Moto2 and now I have to decide what I need to work on more during the pre-season to have a good 2021.”
How would you summarize your season in Moto3?
“I was coming back from a rather difficult 2019 and that handicapped us, just like the pandemic and the fact that the World Championship stopped, which took away a lot of confidence from us. Fortunately, the end of the year was flawless, although we had a few unlucky races, which prevented us from fighting for the top 3. This season was a season of maturity and learning, and above all a lot of fun on the bike, which I really needed. »
2019 was strange for you, and in 2020 you had to deal with all the turmoil because of the pandemic. Yet you competed against the best drivers, winning races and taking pole positions. Did you expect such a season? What rating would you give it?
“The truth is, no. Honestly, I didn't expect to finish the year the way we did. I had too many problems in 2019, and to end the year like that… I would have signed for a lot less. I'm starting to have fun on a motorcycle again, something I haven't been able to do for a long time. And I give the season an 8-8,5. A 10 corresponds to the perfect season: winning all the races, always being at the top, but that doesn't exist and it's very complicated. The 9th, no, because of the way I started the year. That's why I think a B+ is the best grade I can give myself. »
A complicated year but, at the same time, continuous learning. Have you noticed an evolution in yourself? Do you think you have matured as a driver?
" It's clear. And although it seems ridiculous, the three drivers before me had been in the category for a few years and with the same team. This adds a lot in terms of confidence and progression. If next year we were back in Moto3, we would have come a long way, the work would be easier. At the start of the season, it wasn't like that: I had to adapt to the team and not the other way around. However, I finished in an incredible way. »
Photo: MotoGP
What is it like to experience a Moto3 race from the inside? Because of course, on TV you see, race after race, a huge group of drivers who pass and re-pass each other three times in the same corner: How do you manage a race with these characteristics?
“It’s a very difficult category because of that. A few years ago there were only 3 or 4 competitive teams, but now there are no bad bikes. Over time, they have created a very beautiful category for the spectator, but very difficult for the drivers. There are things that don't depend on you in races with such large groups: being hit, hitting, making contact, etc. It is very difficult to control. The category is nice to see but when you're inside, it's crazy. There is no strategy, we only think about attacking and having a little luck to be in front. »
Raúl Fernández, Moto3, Portugal MotoGP, November 20, 2020
These crazy races are not usually the trend in Moto2, where you will be next year. How do you like the jump to the intermediate category? On a physical level, will you notice the change?
“I was very excited to take the leap, another step in my sporting career. I also do it with the team (Red Bull KTM Ajo) with which I was in the Rookies Cup and it's a dream team. I want to enjoy and continue to be happy on the bike. Aki did a great job with me, he educated me and trained me as a pilot. I am very happy to get into Moto2 and even happier to continue in this big family.
On a physical level, it changes a lot, because they are two opposing forms of training. In Moto3, it was just the right thing to do, a little gym to get in physical shape that doesn't tire the muscles. Lots of cardio, going out for a run, etc. It was very important to have good muscles, but light. In Moto2, however, it's the opposite. It's a very physical bike, it gets up a lot, it has a lot of power. Physically, I need to do a little less cardio and focus on weight training. »
Photo: MotoGP
Like any rider, your medium/long term dream is to reach MotoGP…
“Since I was little, I’ve dreamed of this, getting into the winner’s circle and being in MotoGP. I hope I can achieve it with KTM, because it would be something fantastic, and something Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder have already done, also since the Rookies Cup. »
Another Madrid man who is clearly on the rise is Jorge Martín, also at KTM. Next season he will be specifically in MotoGP. It's good to see how the Madrilenians are also making a name for themselves in the World Championship: Did you discuss it with him during this season?
“Even though we are on the same team, I haven't been able to talk much with him. We have different schedules, but I am very happy for him and for the people of Madrid! May they continue to progress and succeed in the World Championship, because we need more Madrid drivers. We will see if Madrid helps us more and does a circuit nearby, not for me or for those already involved, but especially for the little ones. »
Finally, who is your favorite driver? Who do you identify with?
“I refer especially to Viñales. He has a very good driving style. I like him a lot because he always works alone, and that's why in Moto3 I've always worked alone. And I remember when he won the World Championship in 2013, in Moto3. I was in the stands at Cheste and I celebrated as if I had won. It's my idol. »
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Alberto Cercós Garcia
