Raul Fernandez, Trackhouse Aprilia pilot, will test the 2024 bike model during an official MotoGP test in Jerez after the Spanish Grand Prix. Fernandez has been the only Aprilia rider using last year’s bike, while his teammate, Miguel Oliveira, received the latest model at the beginning of the season. Originally, Fernandez was supposed to ride the updated bike at the Spanish GP, but the team decided to postpone that decision until the test. It is still unclear if Fernandez will be able to ride the 2024 bike in the next race in Le Mans, France.
Davide Brivio, Trackhouse Team Director, expressed his excitement to return to Europe for the race in Jerez, which is considered Fernandez’s home race. Brivio also mentioned the progress made in Austin and expects to see even more improvements in the upcoming races. He believes the team has not yet reached its maximum potential and aims to perform well in all areas during the weekend. Brivio is looking forward to Monday’s test, where Fernandez will have the opportunity to briefly test the 2024 bike, if everything goes well during the weekend.
Fernandez’s updates only include changes to the bike’s chassis, as regulations prohibit manufacturers from using multiple engines throughout the season. Previously, Aprilia’s satellite team, RNF Racing, always received older bikes, but Trackhouse wanted to change that before entering the paddock. Thanks to the relationship between the new management team and Aprilia’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, the team was able to obtain 2024 bikes for this season. However, due to time constraints and production difficulties, Aprilia could only provide one more 2024 bike for pre-season testing. However, the team is considering providing Fernandez with another updated 2024 bike later in the year.
