In just over twelve months, Raul Fernandez moved from Moto3 to MotoGP via Moto2 where, during his rookie season, he scored eight victories which placed him vice-world champion. Highly visible to decision-makers in the paddock, the 21-year-old Spaniard was selected by KTM, the brand to which he owes his career via his industry. Placed at Tech3 alongside Remy Gardner who had just beaten him in the quest for the crown in 2021, he was legitimately convinced that he would continue his rise. But he just came back down to earth, and pretty hard. On the eve of the ninth round of the championship which will take place in Catalonia this weekend, he is the only rookie not to have scored a single point. Stuck at the back of the peloton, he is not friends with the RC16 and now he has physical problems...
Raul fernandez is for the moment the disappointment of the 2022 campaign. A disillusionment that grows each time we get a little deeper into this MotoGP season, where he is playing among the rookies. His last Italian Grand Prix was an ordeal: he crossed the finish line 42 seconds behind the winner bagnaia on his Ducati, even going so far as to drop 12s on his teammate Remy gardner, all in 23 turns… On speedweek, he explains his situation thus: “ it was a really tough race. The start wasn't bad, but I really struggled from mid-race to the end. I didn't feel comfortable and I couldn't play my potential on the bike. I had to fight too much with the bike in the race on Sunday ».
Raul Fernandez: “ it is difficult to maintain a positive mental attitude at this stage«
And he adds: “ so we have to look for solutions for the future, because in the current situation we are not moving anywhere. It is difficult to maintain a positive mental attitude at this stage. KTM continues to work on the bike. During Monday's test in Barcelona we will try something that better suits my riding style ».
« Right now I'm destroying the tires, my condition and my energy “, declared the Madrilenian from 21 years. “ I am convinced that we have more potential than riding in the last places. I didn't have good grip on the rear tire during the race, it dropped a lot. I also had physical problems, as I was plagued with nerve issues in my upper right arm between the triceps and biceps. We work with the doctor to find a solution ". And he ends: “ our situation is difficult. But it's like that. We just have to get better ". And for good reason : Brad Binder, official KTM finished the same Italian Grand Prix at Mugello in seventh place, 4s behind the winner.
