In the MotoGP World Championship there are some great performances that go unnoticed. Most of the attention is focused on the Ducati riders, who dominate with an iron fist like an army the front part of the classification, almost in its entirety.
Behind, many others look at Honda or Yamaha, who continue to deal with their problems while waiting for the arrival of concessions to improve their horizon. And the rest of the brands, together with their pilots, try to get their heads out.
One of them is KTM, which is establishing itself with Brad Binder and Jack Miller as the main threat for those from Borgo Panigale in the first half of the season, drawing on the talent of its riders and feats on the bike such as the starting system, praised by all rivals. But its satellite team, the Tech3 that bears the name of GasGas, a brand that is part of the Austrian conglomerate, is also worth focusing on.
And it is that in the absence of Pol Espargaró, who has not yet contested any race in the 2023 season since his serious accident in the second free practice of the Portuguese Grand Prix, who has stuck out his head and has reaffirmed himself as a talented driver He is his partner Augusto Fernández.
Despite the rumors circulating about his future in the championship, since Pedro Acosta wants to get into MotoGP dressed in orange as stipulated in his contract, the truth is that Augusto Fernández has completed some 8 first grand prix that is more than remarkable, which in other circumstances they would probably have already ensured his continuity at GasGas.
Although it is true that the Spaniard is assured of being the ‘rookie of the year’ this season as he is the only one on the grid, his results have led him to be one of the best rookies in recent years. Overall, he is in 14th position after Assen, with 42 points.
The secret? He has finished every feature race on Sundays and within the points zone, including a best result of fourth at the French Grand Prix, a feat not often seen in rookie drivers. Thus, it contrasts sharply with his performance on Saturdays, where he has not yet been able to score points in any race.
These data have elevated the AF37 as one of the best ‘rookies’ in recent years, having contested 8 races, specifically the third, behind Fabio Quartararo in 2019 and Brad Binder in 2020. These are the points of all the rookies of the last five campaigns.
Seeing the names with which Augusto is rubbing shoulders in this historical table, it is clear that he has been one of the names to stand out, and to follow in the 12 remaining grand prix of 2023, to see if he continues to gain weight, which They still don’t guarantee him a bike for 2024, at least at KTM.
Already in the Cathedral, the Spaniard reiterated that he wants to continue to be linked to the Mattighofen factory:
“I would like to stay. KTM is trying to make room for all of us, since both parties are happy. I want to continue exactly the same for another year, and I am not looking at other options.
Font: motosport
