Fernandez stepped as much as Moto2 this season with Ajo’s KTM-backed squad having ridden for the marque on the Finn’s group in Moto3 in 2020, ending fourth within the standings.
The 20-year-old has made a right away influence in Moto2 aboard the Ajo KTM-run Kalex chassis, profitable three races as he battles for the title with team-mate Remy Gardner – the pair cut up by 31 factors after the primary 9 races.
Forward of the Dutch TT in June, Autosport reported Fernandez had signed a deal to step up to MotoGP with Tech3 KTM in 2022 having been Petronas SRT’s primary selection for a experience.
Fernandez’s present KTM contract had a half 1,000,000 euro buyout clause in it and SRT admitted to Autosport that it wouldn’t interfere in Fernandez’s relationship with KTM.
Although the press launch from KTM doesn’t specify the size of Fernandez’s deal, Autosport understands it is going to be for 2 years.
“Actually, I’m actually happy with this chance from KTM, as a lot for this 12 months as for the subsequent,” Fernandez stated.
“I’ve been studying quite a bit and having fun with Moto2 and was capable of get right into a place the place I’ve this opportunity to enter MotoGP and for which I’m very grateful: it’s the dream of any rider to reach to this class.
“Proper now, a very powerful factor is to maintain specializing in this season and giving all I’ve up till the final race to try to battle for the championship.
“If it doesn’t work out then fantastic, all the pieces occurs for a cause, and you must look in the direction of the positives.
“I’ve been a rookie this 12 months and I wish to shut the chapter after which begin once more for 2022 the place I’ll be trying to discover a good feeling on the bike and, above all, aiming to get pleasure from myself.”
Fernandez will be a part of Gardner at Tech3 subsequent 12 months, whose promotion to MotoGP was confirmed in June, whereas KTM’s manufacturing facility group line-up will proceed to be helmed by Brad Binder – who will stay till the top of 2024 – and Miguel Oliveira.
Remy Gardner, Crimson Bull KTM Ajo, Raul Fernandez, Crimson Bull KTM Ajo
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Fernandez joins Maverick Vinales and Joan Mir as riders being promoted to MotoGP after only one season in Moto2.
This announcement for KTM will go away Iker Lecuona and Danilo Petrucci with out rides for the 2022 season presently.
Lecuona has beforehand stated he received’t return to Moto2 if he loses his MotoGP experience for 2022, whereas Petrucci advised Autosport he was eyeing a switch to moto rallying and a potential Dakar charge.
With Valentino Rossi retiring at the end of the year and Franco Morbidelli set to step as much as the manufacturing facility Yamaha squad instead of Vinales, who is about to affix Aprilia, only some seats stay open for 2022.
Autosport reported on Thursday that Rossi protégé Marco Bezzecchi is set to join SRT, leaving only one different SRT spot doubtlessly vacant and the second VR46 Ducati experience free.