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The MotoGP is (finally) back on the Sepang circuit for a test session after two years. If the greatest expectation in February 2020 was Jorge Lorenzo's first tests on the Yamaha as a tester, after three seasons spent between Ducati and Honda, a great deal of attention will be given to Marc Marquez's return to the track this year. But another very important topic will be rookies Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi on the Ducati and the Gardner-Fernandez duo on the Tech3 team’s KTM.
We know that there’s some bad blood between the two after last season's photo finish in the Moto2, so much so that Fernandez accused the Ajo and KTM team of favoring the son of the 1987 500cc world champion.
"The past is the past, and my relationship with Remy at the moment is incredible,” Fernandez said. “We’re not friends, of course, but we do a lot of things together for the team. This is an incredible project, and I’m happy to continue with KTM even this season. For me, it’ll be important to observe myself and my course without making comparisons with Remy. I have to continue along my path."
During these first days of tests dedicated to rookies and test riders, many will be watching Raul Fernandez's KTM and his performance after a rather incredible season in the Moto2. Will the pressure affect the vice champion of the intermediate class on the track?
"I don't want to put any pressure on myself, and that’s why I haven’t set any goals for the season or for tests this season.”
But your teammate Gardner said that he wants to win as rookie of the year. Aren't you thinking about that?
“Yes, of course. Let's say it's a vision common to all rookies, but I know I have to learn day by day, continuing to work without looking at Remy.”
So what will the most urgent "tasks" to be carried out on the track be, taking into account that you only rode once in Sepang in 2019 with the Moto3, and you’re now going to ride a MotoGP?
“That’s true. It’s as if this were a new track for me. I don't remember anything, starting with the lines and braking points. I’ll start by becoming familiar with the corners, and then I’ll try to continuously improve. There’s a lot of work to do. I have no experience, so I can’t focus on just one area. I have to really focus on the entire package: braking, electronics, tires, acceleration. It’ll be a long process to follow, day after day and race after race."
KTM has also made a test rider with all the trimmings available to you: Dani Pedrosa. Pit Beirer said he’ll be present to a greater extent this season. How much will that help you?
“Dani will be super important. A rider like him, even if he doesn't compete anymore, can find incredible details on a motorcycle, and I know I can ask for something if I need it.”
