FERNANDEZ RETURNS TO ACTION IN QATAR DESPITE FINGER INJURY

Raul Fernandez is set to return to MotoGP action in Qatar after passing Thursday’s medical check, continuing his recovery from a broken right index finger.

The Trackhouse rider injured the finger in a Sprint collision with fellow Aprilia racer Marco Bezzecchi in Indonesia. Despite the fracture, Fernandez rode the following day’s Grand Prix and finished second behind Bezzecchi. The injury then forced him to retire from the Phillip Island Sprint after 10 of 13 laps; the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled because of poor weather.

Fernandez also tried to ride in Malaysia, but inflammation around the fracture made it impossible. He took part in the first practice session before withdrawing, and missed the rest of the Sepang weekend. Afterward, he flew home to work with his own physiotherapist. He said the trip was worthwhile: “We did a good job, and I think it was right to fly home. I was able to speed up the process in Andorra.” He spent nearly a day travelling, then had five days to recover before flying to Qatar.

Though feeling better, Fernandez knows the injury will still affect him. He has to brake using another finger and will need time to adapt his riding style, so he plans to assess his condition one session at a time. “I feel better and ready,” he said, while stressing that he must manage his energy.

Qatar offers a chance to change a frustrating record: Fernandez has yet to score points in a MotoGP Grand Prix there. He is encouraged by the opportunity and enjoys racing at the circuit, but has not previously achieved the result he wants. “I think we have another good opportunity,” he said. “Maybe it’s time to change the story.”