Raul Fernandez Admits Qualifying Weakness After 2026 MotoGP Test

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Raul Fernandez completed the MotoGP pre-season test feeling a mix of relief, satisfaction, and self-criticism. The Spanish rider from Trackhouse MotoGP Team confirmed that the key technical work has been completed, while acknowledging that clear room for improvement remains, particularly in one-lap qualifying performance ahead of the 2026 season.

For Fernandez, simply finishing the test in a physically demanding condition was an important milestone. He admitted it had been a long time since he ended a test feeling this exhausted, which he interpreted as a positive sign of both workload intensity and the physical preparation completed over the winter.

“It was important for me. I’m happy to finish the test completely exhausted, because it’s been a long time since I felt like this.”

Beyond the personal aspect, Fernandez stressed the strategic importance of the test from a technical standpoint, especially regarding aerodynamics. He confirmed that all aero-related decisions had to be taken at this stage due to homologation constraints ahead of the opening round.

“The entire aerodynamic package was decided here, not in Thailand, because there is not enough time to homologate anything there. I think we did a good job and everything went more or less as planned.”

Despite confirming the final package, Fernandez admitted the test once again highlighted a persistent issue that has carried over since last season: qualifying performance. He described the situation as a sense of deja vu, particularly when pushing on soft tyres during one-lap simulations.

“We had a bit of deja vu. When I tried to push for more performance, the problems with the soft tyre came back. The grip is too high for me and I can’t feel fully comfortable with the bike.”

Fernandez explained that his riding style naturally suits lower-grip conditions, a characteristic that he believes helped his qualifying performance at certain points last year. He remains confident this aspect can be addressed as understanding of the bike improves.

“I always ride better with less grip. When the grip drops, I can use the front tyre much better.”

He also referenced the value of experience inside the garage, including comparisons with Marco Bezzecchi, while acknowledging the difference in reaction speed between satellite teams and full factory operations. Even so, Fernandez expressed confidence in the direction of the project and believes the current technical foundation is solid heading into the opening phase of the season.

“I’m happy. The bike is decided, it’s very similar to Marco’s bike, and I’m confident it will work well throughout the year.”

Fernandez concluded by placing the lap times seen during testing into context, noting the exceptional track conditions after several consecutive days of running. He believes the work completed provides a strong base to continue development heading into Buriram and the early stages of the 2026 MotoGP campaign.