Trackhouse Aprilia Rider Raul Fernandez Injured in Sepang Pre-Season Test
Trackhouse Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez has suffered an injury during the MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang. Fernandez’s accident occurred on Tuesday when he experienced a highside and his RS-GP caught fire. Although he returned to the track later in the day, his outing was cut short due to the extent of his injuries. Fernandez has sustained bruising in the pelvic area and on the hip, and there is a risk of exacerbating the damage if he continues to ride. As a result, he will not participate in the test on Wednesday and Thursday.
Fernandez expressed his apologies to Aprilia and the Trackhouse Racing MotoGP team for the incident. He stated that the crash was unexpected and that he feels disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to further understand the new bike and improve his performance. Fernandez’s priority now is to focus on his recovery and ensure his safety before returning to the track. He hopes to be fully fit for the upcoming testing in Qatar later this month.
The MotoGP pre-season test at Sepang has seen some notable performances, with Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta leading the way on the opening day. However, the test has also been marked by the absence of Pramac Ducati rider Franco Morbidelli. Morbidelli was unable to participate in the test due to a crash during road bike testing at Portimao. Unfortunately, his injuries are severe enough to prevent him from attending both the current test in Sepang and the upcoming one in Qatar.
The MotoGP community is also witnessing an escalation in the aero war, with teams experimenting with new aerodynamic features. One visually striking addition is the introduction of a Formula 1 style aero rake during testing. This development has caused concern among fans and riders alike, as it could have a significant impact on the dynamics of the bikes.
In other news, Marc Marquez’s move from Honda to Gresini has led to a change in his crew chief for the first time in his MotoGP career. This transition marks a new chapter for Marquez as he adapts to working with a different team. Additionally, Honda’s new MotoGP machine has shown promise but still has a long way to go in order to compete with the fastest bikes on the grid.
The MotoGP pre-season tests provide comprehensive coverage for both dedicated fans and newcomers to the sport. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in the world of MotoGP.
