RAUL FERNANDEZ EXPECTS MARC MARQUEZ TO STRUGGLE AT MISANO AGAINST APRILIA

Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez believes Marc Marquez could find more difficulty than many expect at this weekend’s San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, despite Marquez arriving within 19 points of Jorge Martin in the title fight. Fernandez’s warning comes after Marquez’s strong run on home soil earlier in the season, but he points to a more open outlook for round 14, especially given how last year’s Misano weekend played out. Marco Bezzecchi won the Sprint after Marquez crashed out, and Bezzecchi then finished the race within six-tenths of the winner, reinforcing the idea that Misano may not suit Marquez as well as other venues.

Speaking via AS, Fernandez said Misano is “not favourable” for Marquez, adding that the Spaniard is “going to suffer a bit more than people expect.” He explained his view by highlighting the circuit’s characteristics, saying Misano offers a lot of grip and features “a lot of right-hand corners,” which he believes will make the weekend tougher for Marquez. Fernandez also contrasted Misano with the next stop on the calendar, Austria, where he expects Marquez to “be doing well again.”

On the broader championship picture, Fernandez suggested the real contenders may not be clear until the season’s closing stages. “Do you know how many races are left? I don’t,” he said, before adding that, in his opinion, the situation won’t be properly understood until Portugal. “That’s why I say we’re not contenders, but until the numbers say otherwise, anything can happen,” he concluded.

Fernandez also addressed the renewed focus on Marquez’s physical condition after Thursday’s media day, when Marquez posted details about the state of his right arm following multiple surgeries after Aragon. Fernandez called Marquez “an example,” not only as a rider but for overcoming adversity. He said that “a great athlete makes the difference not when everything is going well, but when everything is going badly,” and described Marquez as “a specialist in that.” Fernandez added that he cannot criticise Marquez, saying he grew up watching him and still views him as an idol, while calling what Marquez is doing with a serious injury “truly remarkable.”

The report also noted Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi’s acknowledgement that Marquez has not recovered as quickly as expected after his shoulder surgery in May. Marquez has said he is riding with “one and a half arms” this year, and his surgeon believes that assessment is fair.