Raul Fernandez Poised for 2024 Aprilia Upgrade at Silverstone as MotoGP Returns from Summer Break

Raul Fernandez Indicates a '90% Chance' of Securing 2024 Aprilia for Silverstone Race

Could Assen and Sachsenring Mark Raul Fernandez's Last Races on the 2023 Model Aprilia?

Raul Fernandez is highly confident, with a 90% certainty, that he will receive the 2024-spec Aprilia upgrade following the MotoGP summer hiatus, specifically at the Silverstone event.

Fernandez, competing under the satellite Trackhouse team banner, remains the sole Aprilia competitor sticking with the previous year's RS-GP23 model.

Aprilia has committed to updating his equipment to the 2024 model at the earliest opportunity.

Despite regulations that prevent any alterations to the engine specification throughout a season, modifications to other parts of the motorcycle are permitted, including a single update to its aerodynamics.

The schedule for Aprilia's aerodynamic improvements appears to play a significant role in Fernandez's enhancement.

In order to match the 2024 bike specifications with his fellow RS-GP competitors, especially teammate Miguel Oliveira, Fernandez is awaiting Aprilia's release of their newest aerodynamics, anticipated to also solve previous overheating problems during the overseas races.

The anticipated aerodynamic upgrade is projected to be completed by the time we reach Silverstone.

"Fernandez mentioned, “There's a 90% chance I'll receive the new bike at Silverstone. They're currently looking into arranging it for me there.”

Regrettably, Fernandez's intentions to accumulate additional mileage on the 2024 motorcycle during the latest Mugello trials, following an initial outing at the earlier Jerez test, were thwarted by inclement weather conditions.

"The concept behind the Mugello test was aimed at getting a grasp of the motorcycle's dynamics and setting it up for the Silverstone race," he explained.

Fernandez, making his debut as a leader in a MotoGP race during the Catalunya Sprint, now ranks 12th in the global championship standings, holding a three-spot advantage over Oliveira, who rides the #24 bike.

The 23-year-old received surgery for arm pump after experiencing difficulties with the condition in the latest races, following a test at Mugello.

"Additionally, while I was in Barcelona with Marc and Aleix, I missed out on a podium finish due to this issue," he mentioned.

Fernandez secured a season-high finish of sixth place in Barcelona.

Jorge Martin has been announced as the sole rider for Aprilia for the 2025 season thus far, as the team's current lead racers, Aleix Espargaro (who is retiring) and Maverick Vinales (moving to Tech3 KTM), have been officially reported to be exiting.

The departure of the two current factory riders boosts the likelihood of Oliveira and/or Fernandez staying on, given their familiarity with the motorcycle and to ensure some level of consistency.

Nonetheless, Marco Bezzecchi of VR46 is strongly favored to secure the other factory position next to Martin, fulfilling Aprilia's ambition of acquiring a quick Italian racer.

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