The 2024 preseason has been a challenge for Augusto Fernandez, who only began to feel comfortable with his GASGAS during the final days of testing in Qatar. Despite this, his test performance did not match his expectations, placing 21st in the final event at Losail, 1,8 seconds behind the best time.
In an interview with speedweek, Augusto expressed his frustration with his performance in the preseason, saying he is not where he would like to be performance-wise. However, this does not diminish his motivation, and he remains determined to improve his results: “ I'm not going to lie, these are difficult times. It's not what we expected and it's not what I want » comments the pilot Tech3.
He adds : " but There's no point in crying, you have to work and try to understand things. These were just tests, now it's time to compete. Of course there is a lot of work to do, I have to find the speed, but that's how it is. Nobody wants to earn more than me ».
Augusto Fernandez said he managed to improve his feel with the tires in recent preseason testing, but admits he's not yet comfortable with the rear compounds. Despite this, he remains optimistic about his progress and his ability to catch up, which he explains as follows: “ I started understanding the new bike in Qatar, not Malaysia. I got lost in Malaysia. So I started from scratch in Qatar and that can't be made up for when everyone has had six days of preseason ».
Augusto Fernandez: “ you have to keep working, step by step, and of course, keep believing in it »
He mentions about his progress: “ we understood some new pieces, which were positive and also negative, I think we have the basis of my riding style. Now I just have to ride more to get used to it. We need a little more time, but we'll get there ". The teammate of Peter Acosta also identifies this: “ we still lack speed with the hard rear tire, and also with the soft tire. We focused on the race tire to find the feel. But we also understood more things when we used the soft rear tire ».
On how he assesses his situation on the eve of the first Grand Prix of the season which will take place on the same Losail track for the Qatar Grand Prix, Augusto Fernandez states: “ it's still not enough to be there at the level, but I have to say it: it happens. You have to keep working, step by step, and of course, keep believing. We need a little more time, but we'll get there. The speed of others is incredible... I want to run now, because races are different. In practice you have a lot of time to think, to find your way or get off the track. Let's run now » finishes the Spaniard.
