The Malaysian Grand Prix turned out to be a challenging event for the RNF-Aprilia team, with both riders, Miguel Oliveira and Rául Fernández, facing significant difficulties. The race culminated in a disappointing outcome, with the two riders collectively completing only around a dozen laps.
Rául Fernández, the Moto2 Vice World Champion of 2021, expressed his frustration and confusion over the situation. He emphasized the team’s need for more track time and kilometers to improve, but technical issues led to his retirement in the seventh lap. This was a particularly disheartening moment for Fernández, who had high aspirations for the race.
Adding to the team’s woes, Miguel Oliveira, Fernández’s teammate, crashed earlier in the race. This compounded the disappointment for the team, led by the enthusiastic team principal Razlan Razali, especially since it was their home Grand Prix.
Fernández directed strong criticism towards Aprilia, stating that the team received no support or technical updates from the manufacturer. He pointed out that the only new parts on their bikes were the fresh tires. This lack of support and updates, according to Fernández, starkly contrasts with the approach of other manufacturers like Ducati, who strive to assist all their riders.
He speculated that the lack of development for the four Aprilia bikes might be due to insufficient data collection. Additionally, the RNF customer team was only equipped with last year’s RS-GP-22 material, which could be another factor in their struggles.
Despite these challenges, Fernández expressed deep appreciation for his crew’s dedication. He highlighted their hard work and commitment, even under strenuous conditions, and expressed his regret for the team’s difficulties.
The only silver lining for Fernández was the performance of his younger brother, Adrián, who finished fifth in the Moto3 World Championship race with Leopard Honda, marking his best result in the championship.
The results of the MotoGP race in Sepang were as follows: Enea Bastianini of Ducati won, followed by Alex Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia. Ducati also emerged as the Constructors’ World Champion, while Prima Pramac Racing led the Team World Championship.