Raul Fernandez, rider for satellite team TrackHouse, is preparing to receive a 2024-spec Aprilia after the MotoGP summer break, with a 90% chance of it happening at Silverstone. Currently, Fernandez is the only Aprilia rider still using last year's RS-GP23.
Aprilia has committed to upgrading its machines as soon as possible, although homologation rules limit engine modifications during the season. However, other parts of the bike can be changed, including a unique aerodynamic update.
The timing of this aerodynamic update is crucial for the upgrade of Fernandez. In order to have a 2024 specification motorcycle as close as possible to those of his teammates, Raul fernandez must wait untilAprilia introduces its latest aero. This update is also supposed to fix overheating issues encountered during races.
« I will get the new bike at Silverstone, 90%" Fernandez said on crash.net. " They check to give me the motorcycle there."
Unfortunately, the plans of Fernandez to rack up more laps on the 2024 bike during the recent test at Mugello were disrupted by bad weather. “ The idea of the Mugello test was to try to understand the bike and prepare it for Silverstone“, he explained.
Raul Fernandez: “ in Barcelona I lost the fight for the podium because of compartment syndrome »
Fernandez, who led a MotoGP race for the first time at the Catalunya Sprint, is currently 12th in the world championship, three places ahead of teammate Miguel Oliveira on machine no. 24. After having encountered a problem with compartment syndrome during the last tests, Fernandez underwent an operation after the Mugello test. “ In Barcelona, when I was with Marc and Aleix, I lost the fight for the podium because of this problem" , did he declare. Fernandez has finished sixth in Barcelona, his best result of the season so far.
George Martin is a pilot Aprilia confirmed for 2025, with departures byAleix Espargaro (retirement) and Maverick Vinales (Tech3 KTM) from the factory team. This left a chance for Olive tree et Fernandez to move up in rank, thanks to their experience and to ensure a certain continuity. However, Marco Bezzecchi of the VR46 signed on to get the remaining factory handlebars alongside Martin, thus achieving the objective ofAprilia to recruit a fast Italian pilot.
