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