Fernandez and Home GP

When the MXGP paddock arrives at the intù-Xanadù Arroyomolinos in Spain this weekend, you just know that the support for their two most successful riders, Jorge Prado and Ruben Fernandez will be something very special. It could end up being the most exciting and adrenaline filled round of the 2023 season so far.

Both of them are fan friendly and running first and fifth in the MXGP points standings, it seems like any one of them winning the home Grand Prix will send the local Spanish spectators into a frenzy.

Last weekend in the second “home” GP for Fernandez (held in Portugal and close to his village), he captured a solid fourth overall and his 182 points in the series has him well placed to challenge Maxime Renaux for fourth place in the points standings.

“I knew coming into the weekend in Portugal,” Fernandez said “that I was feeling good and riding well, and I really stood a good chance of getting back on the podium if I put everything together. Taking the RAM Qualifying Race victory was a great start and gave me the pole position for the two races on Sunday which was very important at this track. I had a lot of support throughout the race which is an awesome feeling. A big thank to all those fans, and to all the team who continue to work so hard to help me out”

While his Saturday qualification win set him up for another shot at a Grand Prix win, it didn’t turn out that way but he came home with 7-2 results giving him a confidence boost for the Spanish Grand Prix.

“Fourth again, but I’m happier this time around than I was in Trentino. My riding was good all weekend and although a small mistake in race one cost me the podium, I rebounded well in race two to lead for a bit and then finish second. Combine that with the qualification race victory and I have to feel positive about the event, which saw me gain good points and increase my lead over the sixth-placed rider in the Championship. Thanks to everyone who cheered me on around the track, it was a really great experience and I hope I can do that next weekend in Spain!”

Now with just days before his real home Grand Prix the Team HRC’s man will be ready to battle with not only his countryman Prado, but also the likes of Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre. Where he ends this weekend won’t have anything to do with the support of his countrymen though, as they are as loyal and passionate as any fans in the World.

Photo Credit: Bavo Swijgers