Raul FernandezPlayer·Raul Fernandez has officially extended his tenure with Trackhouse ApriliaTeam·Trackhouse Aprilia, securing a new two-year contract that will see him compete in MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP with the American team until the conclusion of the 2028 season. The announcement, made on August 5, 2026, underscores Fernandez's significant role in the team's burgeoning history.
Fernandez initially joined Trackhouse ApriliaTeam·Trackhouse Aprilia at the start of the 2024 season, coinciding with the team's debut in the premier class as a replacement for RNFTeam·RNF. He has since been instrumental in some of Trackhouse's most notable achievements, including clinching the team's inaugural MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP victory at the Australian Grand Prix in 2025.
The Spanish rider has demonstrated strong form in the current 2026 season. After 11 rounds, he holds sixth place in the rider standings with 159 points, trailing leader Jorge MartinPlayer·Jorge Martin by 49 points. While a Sunday race victory has yet to materialize this season, Fernandez has secured two sprint race wins at the Mugello CircuitVenue·Mugello Circuit and TT Circuit AssenVenue·TT Circuit Assen. He has also achieved three Grand Prix podium finishes, with two of those coming in the recent races at Assen and the Sachsenring CircuitVenue·Sachsenring Circuit.
Justin MarksCoach·Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse ApriliaTeam·Trackhouse Aprilia, expressed confidence in Fernandez's continued contribution.
"We at Trackhouse are extremely excited to announce that Raul Fernandez will remain with the team for the next two seasons. From the very beginning of this team's journey, Raul has been entirely dedicated to our mission and goals. He has developed as a racer both on the bike and in his preparation, approach, and maturity. We believe this team and these bikes are ready to be a consistent championship threat in the coming years and that Raul can help us reach great heights in this sport."— Justin Marks.
The contract extension provides stability for Trackhouse ApriliaTeam·Trackhouse Aprilia amidst upcoming changes within the team. It has been confirmed that Fernandez's current teammate, Ai OguraPlayer·Ai Ogura, will depart at the end of the 2026 season to become a factory rider for YamahaTeam·Yamaha. Additionally, team head David BrivioCoach·David Brivio is also set to leave Trackhouse at the close of the 2026 campaign. While not yet officially confirmed, Enea BastianiniPlayer·Enea Bastianini is anticipated to join Trackhouse as Ogura's replacement for the upcoming season, further shaping the team's future lineup.
Raul Fernandez almost loses his seat on his Aprilia RS-GP24 at Luffield. Credit: Action Plus/IMAGO
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