Raul Fernandez: A Resilient Journey in MotoGP

Raul Fernandez has navigated a tumultuous path throughout his tenure in MotoGP. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including disappointing results and injuries, Fernandez has consistently received unwavering support from his team leaders, Massimo Rivola and Davide Brivio. Their confidence in him remained steadfast, even when he struggled to find his footing on the track. In fact, following a challenging previous season, both Rivola and Brivio extended a vote of confidence by offering him a new two-year contract through 2026.

Early Season Struggles

The 2025 season began on a rocky note for Fernandez. In the opening rounds, he found himself languishing in 19th place in the championship standings, with a mere 25 points to his name. A particularly disappointing outing in Indonesia, where he finished sixth despite riding one of the fastest bikes in the field, left even Rivola feeling let down. The Aprilia Racing CEO remarked that Fernandez had the potential to compete for a podium finish but struggled to make decisive moves during the race.

“If he was in the front, together with [race winner] Fermin [Aldeguer], he had the pace to stay with him,” Rivola stated post-race. “P6 is a good result, but considering the speed in free air, a podium could have been a realistic expectation.”

Despite the disappointment in Indonesia, Fernandez’s fortunes changed dramatically in the following race at the Australian Grand Prix. This time, he seized the opportunity and secured a decisive victory. He adeptly navigated early challenges from rival Pedro Acosta and avoided the mid-race tensions that had previously hindered his performance in Mandalika.

Building Confidence and Overcoming Adversity

Fernandez’s journey is notable not just for its challenges, but for the resilience he displayed in the face of adversity. After suffering an injury during pre-season testing, he was forced to start the year at a disadvantage. Compounding his struggles, rookie teammate Ai Ogura was outperforming him significantly, raising questions about Fernandez’s future in MotoGP.

Reflecting on this challenging period, Fernandez admitted, “I wasn’t happy. Things weren’t working out, and I couldn’t even get up in the morning with a smile on my face.” Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, he found motivation in the support of his team and the opportunity to improve.

The in-season testing at Jerez and Aragon provided Fernandez with the necessary time and resources to recalibrate and address the issues that had plagued him early in the season. He acknowledged, “I made a very big mistake at the beginning of the season when I crashed in Sepang and I was injured. My comeback was quite soon, and it didn’t help to create the bike set-up. The big change is we had some tests in the middle of the season, which allowed us to work on ourselves and find something that helped me ride the bike better.”

A Pattern of Underachievement

Fernandez’s early struggles in 2025 were not isolated incidents but part of a larger trend of underperformance during his MotoGP career. His rookie season with Tech3 KTM did not yield stellar results, and while a move to the RNF team in 2024 was expected to enhance his prospects, it merely resulted in finishing 20th in the championship. A surprising fifth-place finish at the Valencia finale was the only highlight of an otherwise difficult year.

In 2024, Fernandez exhibited glimpses of his potential, qualifying on the front row in both the Catalan and German rounds. However, a mid-season switch to the latest-spec Aprilia did not yield the desired results, and he ended the year in 16th place, with only a marginal increase in points compared to the previous season.

The Importance of Physical Conditioning

Brivio, the team principal, emphasized the significance of physical conditioning in Fernandez’s development. He noted that while Fernandez had always possessed great talent, he needed time to regain the confidence necessary to contend at the front. “He’s a great talent,” Brivio remarked. “You only need to fix a few things, believe in yourself, and concentrate on the work.”

Throughout the winter, Fernandez dedicated himself to improving his physical fitness, which had been a weak point in the past. This commitment began to pay off as he gradually improved his performance. Starting with a top 10 finish at Le Mans, he soon set his sights on breaking into the top seven, culminating in his recent podium finishes.

Brivio expressed satisfaction with Fernandez’s progress, stating, “I’m happy because he can show his talent. He demonstrated intelligence and skill in managing races.” After a successful outing in Mandalika, Fernandez’s confidence surged, further propelling his performance.

The Role of Team Support

Both Rivola and Brivio conveyed their unwavering belief in Fernandez’s capabilities. Rivola, reflecting on his journey, noted, “I don’t think we need to argue about the talent level of Raul. What we need to discuss is the way he was working. Now with Davide and also with [Aprilia technical director] Fabiano [Sterlacchini] helping, he has people he can trust. That is very, very important.”

As the season progressed, the Aprilia team set high expectations for the 24-year-old rider. With Jorge Martin sidelined due to injury and Ai Ogura just returning from his own crash, Rivola expressed hope that Fernandez could step up in the final races of the season. “I’m very curious to see Raul’s reaction,” he said, referencing the potential for growth following his recent successes.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the final races of the season present an opportunity for Fernandez to build on his momentum. Rivola acknowledged the significance of the upcoming races, hoping to witness Fernandez and teammate Marco Bezzecchi competing for podium finishes. “When you start feeling the smell of the podiums, you find something more,” Rivola stated. “That is the best way to grow.”

The journey of Raul Fernandez in MotoGP exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges, his determination, coupled with the unwavering support of his team, has allowed him to turn the tide in his favor. As he continues to navigate the complexities of the sport, fans and team members alike remain optimistic about what the future holds for this talented young rider.