Following a disappointing MotoGP Malaysian GP, Raúl Fernández strongly criticized Aprilia, expressing his disappointment over the lack of new components on the bike. The CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team rider, however, didn’t want to disrespect and already has the promise that the working method will change in 2024.
Quoted in Motosan.es, the Spaniard clarified his reaction after the Sepang round: ‘It was a situation where you come in very hot. What I wanted to say, I said with all respect and always being positive because ultimately, if I learned something in this sport, it’s that the first time you throw in the towel, forget about doing something for that year. But ultimately, I always trust them and wanted to be something constructive. It’s something that I conveyed to everyone, something that we need’.
Acknowledging the challenge that a project like the one he’s in represents, Fernández mentioned that he received assurances of changes for 2024: ‘It’s not easy to start such a young MotoGP project because Aprilia hasn’t had a factory team for a long time, and then they put themselves in the satellite team. Massimo [Rivola, CEO] told me that he understands my frustration, but it’s not what he wants, he promises me that next year will change, starting with experience, more people in the garage. They will use us to evolve the bikes, and that’s important. I want to take Aprilia to the top. Ducati is currently one step ahead, and everyone else is there. But we have to work to try to get there’.