Raul Fernandez concluded the recent Sepang tests in seventh place, positioned between Morbidelli’s Ducati and Acosta’s leading KTM. The Spanish Trackhouse Racing rider viewed the result as positive, reflecting ongoing improvement from the previous season, though not all aspects performed as expected. The test marked an important phase for Fernandez and his team as they worked to finalize an aerodynamic package with limited time to make adjustments before homologation in Thailand.
Difficulty Maximizing Time Attack Despite Comfortable Race Pace
Fernandez openly discussed his current struggles with the bike’s qualifying performance. He identified the time attack runs as the most problematic, particularly when using soft tires on a high-grip track surface. Despite this, he felt confident with the race pace and when running on used tires, indicating his riding style aligns better with longer race conditions rather than single-lap speed.
“The time attack was the worst part of the test, especially when I put on the soft tyre and when the track had a lot of grip. I couldn’t do a fast lap and I couldn’t take full advantage of my riding style. On the contrary, I felt comfortable with the race pace or at least on used tyres,”
Fernandez explained.
Focus on Improving Qualifying Speeds for Upcoming Races
He reminded that during the previous season, he had steadily improved his qualifying lap times, resulting in strong finishes. Therefore, Fernandez emphasized that boosting the bike’s performance in time attack sessions remains a key target moving forward, particularly at the Buriram circuit in Thailand where maximizing soft compound grip will be essential.
“Last year, from mid-season to the end of the season, I made continuous progress in qualifying, which led me to achieve good results. As a result, improving the bike in time attack will be crucial. At Buriram, we will have to try to understand how to get the most out of the soft compound. That said, overall, I am happy with what we have done,”
he said.
Aprilia’s Competitiveness Confirmed Despite Individual Challenges
The Aprilia bike itself received Fernandez’s endorsement. He noted the competitiveness of the machinery, citing teammate Bezzecchi’s strong performance in time attack as proof, while acknowledging his own need to find solutions to enhance his qualifying pace. Despite appearing solid in race conditions, Fernandez recognized there is significant work ahead.
“The bike is competitive, and Bezzecchi has proven to be very fast in time attack as well. Personally, I will have to work hard to find a solution in this regard, given that we are already on pace for the race,”
he added.
Teammate Ai Ogura Expresses Disappointment After Testing
Fernandez’s teammate Ai Ogura ended the tests in eleventh place, somewhat dissatisfied with his performance, believing he could have delivered a faster lap. Ogura pointed to a combination of rider and machine factors behind the results, noting that despite feeling better than on the 2025 model, he struggled to extract the additional speed needed.
“I expected something more, so I’m not satisfied. I think it’s a mix between the rider and the bike. Honestly, I expected to be a few tenths faster, but I couldn’t do it. The feeling on the bike is better than the 2025, but finding that extra push was difficult,”
the Japanese rider admitted.
When asked about the performance gap compared to Bezzecchi, Ogura highlighted specific areas where he lost time.
“Mostly in the fast corners. He manages to carry more speed and therefore turns the bike more quickly.”
Ai Ogura
Looking Ahead to Thailand Test and Race
The next test event at Buriram, Thailand on February 21-22 offers Fernandez and Ogura a fresh opportunity to improve, particularly because the track layout differs and is favored by both riders. Fernandez revealed he was not at full physical fitness during the Sepang sessions due to a cold but managed to complete all scheduled activities without incident.
“It’s a different track and also one of my favorites,”
Fernandez noted.
“I caught a cold. Even though I’ve kept the air conditioning off since I’ve been here, I caught it anyway, and I don’t know why. Fortunately, it didn’t affect my riding too much.”
Raul Fernandez
“I completed the entire scheduled program and had no accidents,”
he concluded.
Implications for Raúl Fernandez’s Upcoming Challenges
While Fernandez’s consistent race pace offers a solid foundation, his difficulties with time attack laps suggest that continued development and adaptation are crucial. Improving qualifying speed could enable better starting positions and enhance his chances of top finishes. The performance of Aprilia’s bike in competitive conditions shows promise, but individual rider adjustments and finer tuning remain priorities ahead of the new season’s key events, beginning with Buriram in Thailand.
