Despite an injury that has not yet fully healed, Raul Fernandez is able to take part in the Qatar test and is fast – the 2023 Aprilia suits the Spaniard’s riding style
For Raul Fernandez, the first winter test in Malaysia was over after just three laps. After a highsider, he completed a few more laps, but it was decided that it would be better if he took a break for the remaining days in Sepang
This was the right decision, as it turned out that Fernandez had broken three small bones in his hip. Nevertheless, he was able to take part in the two test days in Qatar. He describes the fact that he had this opportunity as “very fortunate”.
“The recovery has gone very well. I feel better than expected because I have three broken bones. The normal recovery time would take four or five weeks. But I was able to ride my bike after just one week.”
Fernandez rides the 2023 Aprilia RS-GP for the new Trackhouse team, and it clicked immediately. He was on the road well straight away and posted competitive lap times. He finished the Qatar test in fifth place, just under four tenths of a second behind the leader.
“I feel lucky that I have the bike from last year. Because it helps me to get the job done faster. The bike suits me,” emphasized the 23-year-old. “I already felt in Valencia that the front end is very good.”
“The work was not easy, because we had to do in two days what was originally planned for five days. But I think we had enough time.” Nevertheless, Fernandez was not at 100 percent physically
In spite of this, he was able to complete 104 laps on both days. “I was at a good level on the bike. It’s only when you move that I still have problems. The feeling in my leg got much better. I was able to work more.”
His focus was on race preparation: “With used tires, my pace was very good. I tried a soft tire, but that was just to see how the bike behaves with this tire.”
Fernandez didn’t want to take any risks: “I tried to avoid dangerous situations because I can’t crash.” He will continue to work with physiotherapists until the season opener in order to be as physically ready as possible
