The Motul TT Assen pulled 2023 MotoGP up to round eight and the third consecutive Grand Prix in a row. For GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3’s rookie, Augusto Fernandez, the TT Circuit Assen presented another voyage of discovery with the GASGAS RC16 and the Spaniard bounced back from a tricky day of practice on Friday to take 14th in the Sprint. #37 qualified in 21st, gained six places and equaled his best Sprint classification of the season to-date.
Mugello, Sachsenring and Assen: three of the oldest and most iconic Grand Prix venues in the world championship. For MotoGP – and the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 team in particular – the kinks, weaving lines and flat trajectory of the TT Circuit Assen was the compelling third and final chapter to a busy and action-packed mid-season collection of dates.
Augusto was 17th quickest on Friday and entered Q1 for Saturday’s quali dash. He ranked 10th and then lined up for the 13-lap Sprint. Attacking hard and being proactive, Augusto tried to elevate his pace from the first two circulations. Fernandez’ skill in overtaking and winning the most intense of dogfights paid-off by the checkered flag as he took a well-earned 14th; watched by teammate Pol Espargaro, who was visiting his crew for the first time since his injury in Portugal and round one of 2023.
Augusto Fernandez, 21st in qualifying, 14th in the Sprint:
“It has been a tough day. We were struggling a bit for the time attack and we’ve been looking for solutions. We decided to go back to our base setting for the Sprint and I felt better but not fantastic. It was nice to get a good feeling back, make some overtakes and get some places. We’ll try for a good start and more of the same tomorrow.”
