Raul Fernandez wants to finish the two-day MotoGP test in Qatar.
Raul Fernandez was forced to miss the remaining two days of the Sepang MotoGP test due to an injury he sustained on day one a few weeks prior.
After Miguel Oliveira was given the same package as factory riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, Fernandez is the only Aprilia racer on a 2023-spec bike. Fernandez sustained three fractures in the Sepang crash.
Early in his term, Fernandez fell off his Aprilia machine and broke his leg.
But before the 2024 season even started, Fernandez stated, “I need to see how I feel on the bike.” This was his attempt to get back on track. This type of damage typically takes more than two weeks to heal.
“I want to express my gratitude to Jaime, Nacho, and the entire Quiron Group for working so hard to provide me with everything I needed to be here.
“I want to check my leg’s sensation and see if I can complete some laps. Our major goal for this test is to gather information, try different things, and complete quality laps if that is possible.
Miguel Oliveira, Fernandez’s teammate, took up the role of tester at Sepang since he was out.
After an inconsistent performance at Sepang, the Portuguese rider hopes to finish the last preseason test “satisfied.”
“I’m excited to get the last test underway,” Oliveira continued. Our objective is to depart this place happy with our speed, especially since this will allow us to mentally prepare ourselves for the ten-day break and return here ready to compete.
“Hopefully, everything goes smoothly, we have nice weather, and we can turn some impressive lap times.”
Oliveira failed to record a sprint race simulation fast enough to challenge the top ten quickest average lap times, and he concluded the three-day Sepang test in 18th place.