Be the best rookie of shake down from Sepang is ok, but Raúl Fernández does not want to give more importance than necessary to the milestone he has just achieved. The new KTM Tech3 rider finished the first tests in Malaysia with the third fastest time, just behind the Aprilias of Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaró. But, without really wanting it or looking for it, the label of best newcomer has already been put on or, at least, he is the great favorite to be at the end of this 2022. Although, for that, there are many months ahead, with many points at stake.
And it is that, in the end, the Spaniard knows what is important about this preseason and, not because he is the best rookieyou want to neglect your true goal: set up the bike before the opening round in Qatar, next March 6. “It’s something that’s fine because you have a reference (be the best rookie)but the work is on our bike and in our team. The most important thing is to evolve with this bike so that one day we can win with it.” Raúl commented during a virtual meeting with the press, evaluating the three days of the shake down.
“The summary of the test is very positive because we have improved, It only cost me a little more on the second day, but when you are a rookie, the most important thing is to go to bed every day having learned something, and today I think we have taken a big step forward in feeling comfortable and well riding the bike. We did an amazing job, and day by day we improve. In general we have a good bike.” added the Spaniard, now wanting to rest to return to Saturday with renewed energy, when all the MotoGP riders will take to the track for the first official tests of the course. In addition, Fernández will ride with more confidence then, knowing a little more about the Malaysian circuit, that he was almost unaware of when he arrived: “The first day in Sepang I didn’t even know the lines. I was completely lost. When you don’t know the bike or the circuit it’s even worse.”
In fact, the one from KTM has already known the worst part of the MotoGP with a fall this past Tuesday which, fortunately, has had no consequences: “It was a rather silly fall, surely due to the high temperature, fIt was without any consequences and, fortunately, it was the only one that we suffered during the three days”. A few days where, in addition, the Spaniard has not met anyone on the track: “I have not followed anyone, I have tried to go alone to test my things, I don’t like to put myself behind anyone, I prefer to know what I’m doing and do my things”.
working with his idol
Raúl Fernández’s talent is more than proven, although everything can be improved based on effort and work. But even more so if you have the advice of a former pilot of the highest category. As part of the KTM test team, Daniel Pedrosa could not miss these first three days of testing in Sepang. The Spaniard has ridden these days with the RC16, but above all he has helped the youngest members of the brand to better understand the new MotoGP. Because, he knows, it is not an easy task. The Madrid pilot He has taken advantage of the many advices of the Barcelonan which, he admits, have always helped him improve on the track.
For this, he has nothing but words of thanks to one of his great idols: I have spoken with Dani Pedrosa and I think I can improve a lot based on his advice. “Working with Dani is like a dream. When I was little, I remember that one day I went to Jerez and saw him win. I’ll never forget that day. When I have problems I turn to him, I listen to him a lot. And when he gives me advice I always get better.”
