Twentieth at the end of Free Practice 1 and 18th in pre-qualifying in Japan, Raul Fernandez appeared far from satisfied. The Spanish rider wasn't only worried about the inability to work in a linear manner when he got on the track, but he was also worried about several changes within Aprilia that, in his opinion, are unproductive for the future.
"It was very difficult today. We have to figure out why we struggle almost every Friday. We can't be competitive or even do time attacks. Normally, in the afternoon, we find solutions and, on Saturday, I fight for the Q2, but it's something we have to solve, because it's been like this all year. It's important to be ready starting from Free Practice 1, therefore, facilitating the weekend. Otherwise, on Sunday, we're always at the limit," he complained.
For the 23-year-old, these critical issues upset him. "Improvements should be made on the first day not on Saturday, when only two can fight the Q2, and that isn't easy to achieve. Usually, I'm ready on Saturday morning, so I hope that will be the case here, as well. This applies to me and to the team in general," he stressed.
When asked if this was related to the ongoing effort to test new parts at Trackhouse, the rider from Spain said: "No, not at this moment. Personally, I'm focused on myself, my riding style, and trying to have fun, but I was really slow today."
The start of the weekend at Motegi started with the news that Technical Director Albesiano will be leaving the Noale constructor. "Will it have an impact on the company? It's amazing how many changes are taking place in the various teams, in view of 2025. Only three or four riders will be followed by the same group. As for the technicians, I think only one engineer will remain (ed. Dall'Igna), and all the others will leave. It's hard for me to accept that Romano is leaving. I had a good relationship with him, and he did a good job in the company. He's one of the people who most allowed the project to grow, so I feel really bad. I know his replacement, Fabiano Sterlacchini, from the KTM era, but I don't know how this will lead to an improvement. We're already at the limit, and we should pay attention to the small details," he concluded.