Raul Fernandez secured his first career MotoGP World Championship victory at the Australian Grand Prix, marking a significant breakthrough for the Aprilia rider.
The Spanish rider triumphed in the 19th round of the season, crossing the finish line 1.418 seconds ahead of Italy’s Fabio DiGiannantonio, who rides for Ducati. Marco Bezzecchi, also from Italy and riding an Aprilia, finished third, 2.410 seconds behind Fernandez.
Portugal’s Miguel Oliveira, riding for Yamaha, finished the race in 12th place, 17.677 seconds adrift of the winner. Fernandez and Oliveira were teammates during the previous season.
In the overall championship standings, Bezzecchi ascended to third place. This move came after Italy’s Francesco Bagnaia, on a Ducati, crashed out of the race.
Oliveira improved his championship position by one spot, now holding 20th place with 36 points. The season’s title has already been clinched by Spain’s Marc Márquez, who rides for Ducati, despite his absence due to injury.