Let's Talk MotoGP: Here's Why Raul Fernandez's Victory Is Questionable

Raul Fernandez is finally a MotoGP winner! Four years after his arrival, the Spaniard has won his first race in the premier class... and I don't see anyone getting upset about it. It's a feeling I can understand, and worse, one I share. Here's some explanation.

 

Very strong, yes, but…

 

Of course, Raul Fernandez has never made me dream. But, usually, I'm quite happy when a young person wins the bet. You know, I'm a good audience: the story of Fabio Di Giannantonio touched me at the end of 2023, just like that of Miguel Oliveira before him, etc. Overall, I like beautiful losers, those who give their all, who go through difficult times, and who bounce back. And Fernandez, on reflection, ticks all these boxes: exceptional rookie season in Moto2, almost rewarded with the 2021 title, very discreet years en MotoGP, no flash of brilliance, and then, the rebirth.

 

 

As crazy as it may seem, her cries of joy, which demonstrated an undeniable passion, left me cold on Sunday morning. Then, after the race, a tour of social networks – a reflection of our world, whether we like it or not – made me realize that I wasn't alone, whether on the French side or internationally. No one seemed particularly moved by this entirely deserved victory for a driver who had struggled for a long time.

But then, why this feeling? I have a few leads, which I'm going to share with you. First, Raul Fernandez is not as endearing as Fermin Aldeguer, who also won for the first time two weeks ago. He probably can't help it, poor guy, but I can't help but remember his words about Remy Gardner, as well as that contractual affair at the time of his accession to MotoGP. After all, that's the tragedy of history: some have faces you love, some have faces you hate, and some have faces you love to hate. The problem is that Raul Fernandez, in my opinion, because this is an eminently subjective consideration, doesn't fit into any of the above-mentioned boxes. It leaves me indifferent, from the personality to the helmet decoration to that sad white number 25.

 

Raul Fernandez faces a weak MotoGP

 

Well, that's not all. This argument alone cannot explain the lack of enthusiasm following his victory. Raul Fernandez had the misfortune of winning at the worst time, in the worst season. There's not much he can do about it, again, but that's how history is written. Seasons with multiple winners are never good for sport, historically, because victory is thereby devalued. This is a thesis that I have already presented. : since the introduction of the single ECU, many drivers can compete for victory. We remember much more a success achieved in a very competitive year where few different names stand out (Sarron in 1985 at Hockenheim, for example, Elias in Portugal in 2006 or Zarco at Phillip Island in 2023), than one victory in a year where seven to nine different drivers win (Vinales in Misano in 2020 or Miller in Japan in 2022).

Urban artist The current MotoGP is probably the weakest I have ever seen.. Already, the year is one of the most boring in all of motorcycling history, at least since the end of Giacomo Agostini's reign. No battle for victory, no suspense, no tense races. I'll have the opportunity to talk about it again at the end of the season. As if that weren't enough, Marc Marquez, the champion who killed all competition, is injured, and will probably be out until the end of the year. Jorge Martin, the previous year's winner, is also elsewhere, after a terrible season spent in hospital. Pecco Bagnaia, who is known to be capable of fighting for the crown, is going through a crisis and has lost the user manual for the Ducati Desmosedici. Add to that the absence of Fabio Quartararo at the front, the last "star" of the championship - because he is very popular in France and abroad - and you get a MotoGP very lacking in substance.

 

 

But there remains one parameter, undoubtedly the most important of all. If only Raul Fernandez had won a fierce battle against "Diggia" and Pedro Acosta, it would have had a greater impact on us. The problem is that with the penalty for Marco Bezzecchi, who seemed to be the only one capable of competing with - or even beating - Raul Fernandez, all suspense was destroyed on the seventh lap. When you add up the three points mentioned, it doesn't necessarily result in a memorable race... and a memorable winner. This feeling can only be reinforced by the disappointment caused by this meeting, usually highly anticipated by MotoGP fans. I don't think I've ever been so bored watching the race at Phillip Island since the Stoner years..

 

Conclusion

 

Don't think I'm trying to diminish Raul Fernandez's achievement, as he, as I said, fully deserves his victory. I would have liked to have been more touched, you understand, and I almost blame myself. But I also have to be honest with you, dear readers.. He actually had a perfect race, from start to finish. Raul is, in my opinion, a victim of the context, exactly like others before him in history. We can think of Dani Pedrosa at Sepang in 2015, for example, a race we will talk about again very soon. I want to congratulate him, because he seems to be a real enthusiast, who has indeed gone through quite a few difficult seasons before getting to this point. Hats off to him and to Trackhouse Racing for keeping the colors of the United States, the historic home of our beloved championship, shining brightly.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this article. Were you impressed by Raul Fernandez's victory? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: MotoGP