Raul Fernandez: A MotoGP future with Trackhouse-Aprilia or KTM Tech3?

The Spaniard Raul Fernandez is a MotoGP rider with a rather extraordinary track record in the premier class. Although still only 25 years old, he is already competing in his fifth season in the top tier of the paddock. As Moto2 runner-up, Fernandez joined Tech3 for the 2022 season. In sporting terms, the big breakthrough did not come – until 2025. At a time when Fernandez had effectively been written off, he managed to turn things around, culminating in his first victory at Phillip Island.

That triumph on the other side of the world was no one-off fluke. Since the autumn, Raúl Fernández has been a fixture amongst the world’s MotoGP elite – notably on the Aprilia RS-GP. Interestingly, whilst sitting eighth in the World Championship and still within striking distance of the top five, Fernández is, on the one hand, the worst rider of the Aprilia quartet – yet, at the same time, the best MotoGP rider without a MotoGP contract for the period after 2026.

Raul Fernandez könnte auch 2027 die Trackhouse-Aprilia steuern

Foto: Gold and Goose

As things stand, Fernandez’s chances of continuing to ride in the premier class in 2027 look good. It remains unclear, however, which team he will be riding for. At first, it looked as though Fernandez wasn’t in a strong position with his current team. But that is not the case. As SPEEDWEEK.com has learnt from a reliable source, the Madrid-born rider has received an offer from Trackhouse. The crucial point is that this is an agreement for 2027 only. A one-year contract is good, but not particularly satisfying in terms of career planning.

The alternative is Tech3-KTM. As KTM’s head of racing, Pit Beirer, confirmed to SPEEDWEEK.com, the Spaniard is a possible option for bringing an established rider into Günther Steiner’s team. A contract with a longer term could prove a compelling argument. And, of course, the financial aspects will also be a key point on the negotiating agenda.

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Beyond that – nothing. Apart from a contract extension at Trackhouse or a switch to a KTM RC16, there are no options for Raúl Fernández in the MotoGP paddock. Compared to the situation 12 months ago, however, this is still a positive starting point. Raul Fernández’s career is not an isolated case. Fabio Di Giannantonio serves as a useful comparison. The Roman also failed to make an immediate impact upon his arrival in MotoGP. However, thanks to outstanding performances in the final stretch of his second year with Gresini, ‘Diggia’ still managed to secure a ride with the VR46 customer team. Since then, his form has gone from strength to strength. In 2027, the World Championship bronze medallist will be riding for the KTM factory team.