P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Remember when multiple MotoGP manufacturers were fighting over Raul Fernandez when he was still in Moto2? That now seems a long time ago – why can he not deliver in MotoGP?
Despite being just 24 years old, Raul Fernandez will be the fourth-youngest rider in the 2025 MotoGP grid, following a strong rookie injection. His remarkable 2021 season in Moto2 catapulted him to a MotoGP deal with KTM due to fear of Yamaha poaching him. However, Fernandez has not replicated his success on the bigger bike in the following years – 2022, 2023, and 2024. Various factors have hindered his MotoGP performance, including disillusionment with KTM, injuries, severe arm pump issues, and struggles under mental pressure. Fernandez signed a Trackhouse Aprilia deal until 2026 and aims to prevent his pre-MotoGP successes from fading away. He acknowledges the challenges of changing bikes mid-season, affecting his 16th place standing last year. Fernandez emphasizes the importance of Friday performance to secure a good grid position and believes in continuous improvement throughout race weekends.
