Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse-Aprilia) is leaving the MotoGP test in Malaysia early after crashing on Tuesday and feeling “terrible “
For one of the 22 2024 MotoGP regular riders, the current winter test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is already over after the first of three days. Raul Fernandez, who rides for the new Aprilia team Trackhouse Racing, crashed on Tuesday
According to information from the Trackhouse team, Fernandez escaped “without serious injury” in the crash that happened in turn 11 in the morning. However, in order to avoid the risk of further injuries, the three-day test was stopped early for the Spaniard. Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will take over on Wednesday.
“First of all, I would like to apologize to Aprilia and our Trackhouse Racing team,” said Fernandez and explained: “This morning, I had a heavy crash on my first laps due to the track conditions. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it. But because of this crash, I am not able to continue the test here in Sepang.”
“I feel terrible because I missed the chance to understand the new bike better and learn how it feels,” said Fernandez, who will initially start the 2024 season with a 2023 Aprilia in the Trackhouse team. The 2024 specification, which teammate Miguel Oliveira is testing for the first time this week and will have at his disposal from the start of the season, is not planned for Fernandez until later in the season.
After the premature end of the Sepang test for him, Fernandez said: “It is important for me now to recover and rest well. Riding the bike in my current condition would not be safe. I have to concentrate on my recovery in order to be one hundred percent fit for the Qatar test. There we will have to do all the work that was planned for her. I apologize again to Aprilia and the team. “
Fernandez’s return to the Trackhouse-Aprilia is therefore scheduled for the second day test in just under two weeks (February 19/20) at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar. It will be the last winter test for the MotoGP teams before the 2024 racing season begins at the same venue on the weekend of March 8-10.
While Raul Fernandez is scheduled to ride again at the Qatar test, Franco Morbidelli (Pramac-Ducati) will also have to miss this final winter test. This is based on the latest recommendation of the doctors, who examined Morbidelli several times after his Portimao crash on January 30th
