Augusto Fernandez has been given a second MotoGP season – KTM and Tech3 expect the next step – The Spaniard is also racing for his future
Augusto Fernandez has finished his first MotoGP season in 17th place. His long-lasting consistency was remarkable. The Spaniard finished all of the first eleven Grands Prix and always scored championship points. It was only in the fall that a few retirements occurred when Fernandez took more risks
“He did very well as a rookie. Everyone remembers his highlight of the season at Le Mans,” says KTM Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer, reflecting on his fourth place in France. Due to his learning curve, Fernandez received a contract extension for 2024.
“But it was the whole scenario. How he behaved, how positive he was. He started asking the engineers the right questions. It’s always difficult at the beginning with a MotoGP bike. You don’t know what to ask because you’re overwhelmed by everything.”
“You have so many opportunities to influence the bike. He did it all very professionally and learned every day,” praises Beirer. In 2024, Fernandez will be joined by his old Moto2 teammate Pedro Acosta at Tech3-GasGas.
For Fernandez, it’s all about the future, as he is only set for the coming season. “Of course I want to ride in MotoGP for many more years and I have to show something for that,” the Spaniard is aware. “Not only in the area of development, but also as a rider.”
The Tech3 team was very pleased with his calm and methodical manner. Fernandez understood early on that he would have to work with the team if he wanted to establish himself in MotoGP.
The next step is expected for the second season. “There are no shortcuts in MotoGP,” says Beirer. “But he is working so hard and will take the next logical step. I think he will look strong. “
One aspect is the sprints. Fernandez was only able to score points twice on Saturday. “The aim will be to fight for Q2 from the start and for the top 10 in the race,” he says.
“I think that’s what we should focus on to start with. And then we’ll see. I think I now understand better and better how MotoGP works and can help to improve the bike. But of course I have to test the new bike first.”
Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon also expects a significant step forward. “He has collected 71 points. If he improves like an average rider from the first to the second year, he should be in the region of 200 points,” the Frenchman calculates.
200 points would have put him in the top 10 of the drivers’ standings last season. “That won’t be easy, of course,” says Goyon. “If we work well with him and he is happy, then I see no reason why we can’t take this step. “
