The 2024 season starts today! Until the first Grand Prix of the Season, let's talk MotoGP will try to detail as best as possible the expectations surrounding all pilots; Augusto Fernández's turn. This will be accompanied by a short prediction, and of course, you are invited to give yours in comments. Yesterday, we continued this series with Joan Mir, in an article that you can find by clicking here.
Not the same expectations
The case of Augusto Fernández is quite singular. It is the very illustration that the difference in context plays a primordial role in the expectation of results. Far from being ridiculous last year, he was not transcendent either, but did the job of a good rookie ; which Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner failed to do. Its Sepang tests were unsuccessful, but once again, it is difficult to trust these few days of testing. Only the first Grand Prix of the year will give us an idea.
In 2023, the bike was better than before, certainly, but he was able to show great maturity on certain weekends, and good consistency in performance, too. His lack of significant breakthroughs – Le Mans excepted – is a relative problem, offset by solid results and appreciable involvement. Augusto Fernandez is diligent, wise, thoughtful, appreciated, in addition to being Moto2 world champion 2022. This provides a background that would allow him to be reappointed if he did not perform worse in all teams, except one. The one in which he evolves.
Not on his plate at Sepang. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Because his thorn in his side has a name: Peter Acosta. Remember that he was already a teammate of the genius in Moto2 during the 2022 financial year, he was even better. Issue ; It was only Acosta's rookie year, and it was marred by injury. In 2023, Pedro was a greater champion than Augusto a year before, there is no doubt about that. One took a while to break through, while the other comes from another planet and already fits perfectly with his KTM RC16 in GasGas colors.
Obviously, to stand out and remain desired by all teams, Augusto will have to take a step forward, it's obligatory. I'm not taking many risks by saying that the performance will be there on Acosta's side; everyone expects a lot. Beating him will confirm his position as an underrated driver capable of supporting a satellite team. That's the best case scenario. At worst, Acosta continues his momentum and completely crushes him, eclipsing his exploits whatever they may be.
Will Pedro Acosta also eclipse a discreet Augusto Fernandez? Photo: Michelin Motorsport
If the latter score often, it will also mean that the equipment is up to par. Obviously, his place will become even more expensive given what is happening with Moto2, even with Red Bull KTM Ajo. Let's remember that the young Deniz Öncü has just been signed, and whatever we think given his character or driving style, he is a promising driver. On the other, Celestino Vietti, a VR46 academy hopeful who has already won a Moto2 title for half a season in 2022. Augusto doesn't really have the right to make mistakes; It’s a pivotal year for him.
The prognosis
Let's move on to the prediction, the most interesting part. My opinion is quite clear, and has not changed since 2019; I believe a lot in Augusto Fernandez. He is a driver that I have always found very strong, capable of top-notch performances. His world title is far away, but I have not forgotten that he can achieve feats on the handlebars of his machine. His past year was also promising; therefore, I have no reason to assert that he will not hold the candle to Pedro Acosta; he has already done it and can repeat.
It's difficult to give a prediction, because I necessarily base myself on the Acosta benchmark which I haven't been able to see evolve. It's also the game. Last year, Fernandez was 17th with a gap two thirds of the way through the season, but with a fairly strong start. The KTM should logically continue to progress as has been the case since at least 2020, and I can imagine him gravitating around 11th place overall. Jack Miller was 11th in 2023, so that doesn't seem unattainable to me.
On the other hand, I see a very large Acosta. Betting against him, at this stage of his career, seems difficult to me. Therefore, I see Acosta better in all areas – especially since he will weigh more at KTM, but a Fernandez far from strawberries.
This format is also yours! Tell me what you plan for Augusto Fernandez in 2024? Will he compete with Pedro Acosta?
More Red Bull on the bike, but not thanks to him. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
