The current Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2™ star makes the final step of the KTM GP Academy trajectory to join present teammate Remy Gardner on the Tech3 KTM Factory Racing RC16 next season.
Two wins and four podiums in two seasons of Moto3™ and three victories with a total of six trophies to date in Moto2.
Raul
20-year-old Raul Fernandez will continue his climb to the peak of MotoGP with a Tech3 KTM Factory Racing saddle next year.
Along with Australian Remy Gardner, the Spaniard has been the dominant force as part of Aki Ajo’s Red Bull KTM Ajo team in Moto2 after graduating from the KTM RC4 in Moto3 in 2020.
He sits 2nd behind Gardner in the championship at the mid-point of the campaign and on the eve of race day at the Michelin Grand Prix of Styria.
Fernandez’ adaptation to the demands of Moto2 and his continuing fast development as a professional GP rider has helped KTM race management decide to elevate #25 to the premier class.
KTM’s MotoGP wing for 2022 comes as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will field Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira, and Tech3 KTM Factory Racing will work with the rookie Raul Fernandez and Remy Gardner.
Quote
Raul Fernandez: “Honestly, I’m pleased with this opportunity from KTM, as much for this year as for the next.
I’ve been learning a lot and enjoying Moto2 and was able to get into a position where I have this chance to enter MotoGP and for which I’m very grateful: it’s the dream of any rider to arrive at this class.
Right now, the most important thing is to keep focusing on this season and giving all I have up until the last race to try and fight for the championship.
If it doesn’t work out then fine, everything happens for a reason, and you have to look towards the positives.
I’ve been a rookie this year and I want to close the chapter and then start again for 2022 where I’ll be looking to find a good feeling on the bike and, above all, aiming to enjoy myself.”
Pit
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director: “I’m happy to announce that Raul will move into the MotoGP class with us, and this further proves that our KTM GP Academy project is working from the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
We all know that Raul is an outstanding talent. His jump from Moto3 to Moto2 had some question marks, but he repeatedly showed that he is an excellent rider on the bigger bike, which was our original thought and hope because he was pretty tall for Moto3.
Going to MotoGP so quickly wasn’t part of the initial plan, but he has demonstrated potential.
The Moto2 line-up with Remy is like a dream team. Moving both of them to the premier class makes it very strong and means we now have riders for MotoGP that have come through our system.
We had – and still have – a similar ‘dream team’ with Brad and Miguel, and now we can repeat the same story with another Moto2 line-up.
If you know the guys, their background and how they work and how they feel in the KTM surroundings then it makes the whole effort stronger.”
Herve
Hervé Poncharal, Tech3 KTM Factory Racing Team Principal: “We are delighted, proud and excited to welcome Raul Fernandez next to Remy Gardner.
I think it will be a fascinating 2022 season with the two of the brightest talents of the Moto2 category moving to the premier class even though it will be their rookie season.
I’m sure they will quickly learn and, after a few races, show their potential in the MotoGP.
Raul has had an unbelievable first part of his rookie Moto2 season, something he has not achieved in a long time.
Although we are happy with this announcement we know we still have half a season with our current riders.Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona.
I want to thank them for their dedication and their never-ending constructive attitude, and, we wish them well and best of luck for the future.”
via KTM
