RAUL FERNANDEZ SET TO TRY FOR QATAR MOTOGP RETURN

Raul Fernandez is aiming to return to MotoGP action at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix after missing the Malaysian round with injuries to two fingers.

The Trackhouse rider fractured the fingers in a Sprint crash in Indonesia in October. He nevertheless finished second in the following day’s race, but then sat out the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix. The Australian race was ultimately cancelled because of rain. After flying back to Spain on Friday, Fernandez followed what Trackhouse described as an intensive programme of medical care and physiotherapy to prepare for Qatar. His participation remains an attempt to race rather than a confirmed return.

Fernandez is especially keen to compete at Lusail, despite a poor MotoGP record there. “I love to race in Qatar – it’s a super unique race,” he said. The circuit’s night-time setting is a major part of its appeal, he explained, and he enjoys its layout even though he does not believe he has scored a MotoGP point there. “Statistically it’s a bad track for me,” he acknowledged, adding that the fast third and fourth sectors suit him: “When we have faster corners, I feel very comfortable.”

Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio welcomed the arrival of a race that had been delayed from its original place on the calendar. He said Qatar regularly produces close racing and battles, and the team was pleased finally to compete there. Trackhouse also hopes Fernandez will be fit enough to join team-mate Ai Ogura in the fight for results during the closing rounds.

Ogura arrives after a strong Malaysian weekend, taking fourth in both the Sprint and the main race. Brivio said the team wanted Fernandez back in good shape so both riders could challenge together.

Fernandez is not the only rider whose availability is in question. Alex Marquez had shoulder surgery after Malaysia, while Fermin Aldeguer has been out since Indonesia with a hand injury. Joan Mir is a doubt after vision problems returned in Sepang and forced him to retire. Marc Marquez is expected to race in Qatar, although he said he would travel there as late as possible.

Yamaha will not attend the event, citing its company-wide travel policy for the Middle East. The region has been affected by conflict since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in February.