Aprilia ace Raul Fernandez (3rd): “I didn’t want to fall prey to Marc!”

Raul Fernandez secured third place with a more consistent performance in Sunday’s MotoGP main race at the Lusail International Circuit. Starting from fourth on the grid on his Trackhouse Aprilia, the 26-year-old Spaniard spent much of the race behind the winner and his team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, but was ultimately pipped at the post by World Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo), who rode a masterclass in tactics.

Fernandez finished 3.6 seconds behind Bezzecchi at the chequered flag. “I tried to apply pressure and wanted to stay behind Marco. But here, fuel consumption is even more critical than tyre wear,” he pointed out. “I gave it a go, but I didn’t really manage the situation very well. On the sixth or seventh lap, I was running on the ‘3’ mapping for fuel – so the bike didn’t have full power.”

Raul Fernandez: “It’s only thanks to the physiotherapists that I was able to be here at all”

Fernandez continued: “I then wanted to stay reasonably close behind Marco and not become easy prey for Marc, but I didn’t manage that. Still, I’m absolutely delighted with another podium.” After missing two races due to a broken finger, the Spaniard commented on his physical condition: “I’m very happy. I’ve had a lot of problems with my finger recently. I don’t feel 100 per cent yet, but thanks to the physiotherapists, I was able to be here at all.”

Both Fernandez and winner Bezzecchi marvelled at Marquez’s Ducati’s performance on the home straight whilst in the ‘cool-down room’ after the race. Marquez remarked to the Aprilia riders: “Ducati are doing well – but so are Aprilia!” Incidentally, 55,000 spectators were at the Losail circuit over the entire weekend – a new attendance record.

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With his third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest of the 36 Formula 1 world champions to date. The 20-year-old Italian is on a record-breaking run. The Tifosi are dreaming of Antonelli in a Ferrari.

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20.11.2026 - 09:55