Currently among the top riders on the MotoGP grid, Raúl Fernández has built his career through continuous progression, despite some challenging periods in the intermediate categories. However, he experienced a real breakthrough once he reached the premier class. The Madrid native, born on October 23, 2000, has established himself over the years as a complete rider, fast over a single lap, and is now firmly established as the figurehead of the Aprilia Trackhouse project.
Born in Madrid, Raúl Fernández discovered motorcycling at the age of 11, having grown up in an environment where motorcycles were already a part of everyday life thanks to his father's passion. After competing in the Cuna de Campeones and PreMoto3 series, his results earned him a place in the FIM CEV Repsol and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. He quickly demonstrated a real sense of speed and consistency: in 2015, he achieved numerous podium finishes and finished 7th overall, earning him a place in the series for a second season. In 2016, he truly blossomed, finishing third in the Rookies Cup with two wins and six podiums. Simultaneously, he won his first JuniorGP race in Valencia and finished 3rd in the championship. It was also at the Spanish circuit that he made a one-off Grand Prix appearance that year with the MH6 Team, securing an impressive 11th place in his debut.
Despite these numerous achievements, 2017 was a more challenging season for him in the FIM CEV Repsol series, despite a pole position in Portugal. Things were also difficult in Moto3, and his three appearances yielded no results. But the following year, he bounced back with three wins and six podium finishes in the CEV series, securing him the Moto3 Junior World Championship title. This 2018 season has further confirmed that he already has what it takes to reach the next level.
In parallel, he once again increased his Grand Prix appearances as a wildcard and as a replacement rider. During this period, he gained valuable experience the hard way, without rushing things, but showing above-average potential as his results returned, securing two top-10 finishes in four appearances. In 2019, he therefore joined the Moto3 World Championship full-time with the Angel Nieto Team, with whom he already had a good understanding, and he learned quickly: top-10 finishes became a regular occurrence.
The turning point in Moto3
It was in 2020 that Fernández truly took off. Highly effective in qualifying, he frequently secured pole position, which became one of his trademarks. His first real breakthrough came at Aragón with a podium finish, followed by his maiden victory at the European Grand Prix. He then added another podium and another win at Valencia and Portimão, ultimately finishing fourth in the championship – behind Ai Ogura, Tony Arbolino, and Albert Arenas.
This season is all about confirmation. At this stage, the paddock is clearly beginning to consider him one of the most serious talents of his generation. Promoted to Moto2 with Red Bull KTM Ajo in 2021, Fernández immediately had an exceptional season. He racked up eight wins, seven pole positions, and twelve podium finishes, breaking the record for most wins by a rookie in the category, previously held by Marc Márquez. For much of the year, he held his own against his teammate Remy Gardner in a fierce title battle.
The script took a dramatic turn at Misano, where a crash three races from the end dashed his hopes. He ultimately had to settle for second place in the championship, just four points shy of the title. Despite this disappointment, his time in Moto2 remains one of the most impressive in the category's recent history.
Entry into MotoGP
After a single season in Moto2, he made his MotoGP debut in 2022 with Tech3 KTM Factory Racing, but the RC16 proved difficult to master. Fernández scored points only six times and discovered the challenges of the highest level without a fully competitive package. This first season served primarily as a learning experience, in a context where few resources truly allowed him to express his potential.
In 2023, he joined RNF Aprilia and still experienced some difficulties, although the second half of the season showed clear signs of improvement. His fifth place in Valencia gave him his first real result in the premier class and allowed him to finish the year with more confidence. The next step took him to Trackhouse Racing from 2024, a team built on the remnants of the old one, with a more structured project focused on his development.
At Trackhouse, Fernández began the 2024 season with a steady improvement, finishing 16th in the championship and scoring points in several races. His best moment was a brief lead during the sprint at the Catalan Grand Prix, proving he never completely lost his attacking edge. This season, while not spectacular, laid the groundwork for what's to come.
The breakthrough came in 2025, the season in which he was the only rider to remain with Aprilia, the other three – Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martín, and Ai Ogura – arriving on a machine they were unfamiliar with. Fernández took advantage of the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island to clinch his first MotoGP victory. The success was also historic for Trackhouse, who achieved his first win in the premier class. This triumph changed his status.
A place now established for Raúl Fernández
Since then, Raúl Fernández has definitively cemented his position at the forefront of the field. This season, he hasn't yet won a Sunday race, but has already taken two Sprint victories, in Italy and the Netherlands, while also racking up podium finishes. Now firmly established with Trackhouse, Raúl Fernández has reached maturity and is capable of aiming for more than just flashes of brilliance. In 2027, he is expected to continue his journey with the American team.