ASSEN, Netherlands — Raul Fernandez said frustration over a track limits penalty in qualifying helped motivate him to secure his first MotoGP sprint victory of the 2026 season, leading Trackhouse Racing to a historic one-two finish at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday.
Fernandez had initially set the fastest lap during qualifying and celebrated what appeared to be his maiden pole position of the year before officials deleted his best time because his Aprilia’s rear tire marginally crossed the white line while exiting the final corner.
The penalty dropped the Spaniard to fourth on the starting grid behind the three other Aprilia riders, but Fernandez responded emphatically in the sprint by charging into the lead on the third lap after overtaking polesitter Jorge Martin at the final chicane.
Fernandez admitted afterward that he carried the disappointment from qualifying into the race and used it as motivation.
“This morning, I was quite angry after what happened in quali,” Fernandez said. “I think they are making our sport very boring sometimes. I don’t really agree with the penalty.”
“If I make a mistake, I accept the consequences.”
“Apart from that I used this bad energy, or this moment where I was quite angry, to put everything together in the sprint.”
Fernandez described the victory as an important reward for the progress made by both himself and the American-owned Trackhouse team.
“I am very happy because we are working so well,” he said. “I am really happy with the work that we are doing. It’s really important for the team and for me to be in this position. It’s the first time we made one-two.”
The result could also prove significant away from the racetrack as Fernandez continues negotiations over a new contract with Trackhouse.
Although there had been uncertainty surrounding his long-term future earlier this season, his recent run of strong performances has strengthened his position ahead of the 2027 rider market.
Fernandez confirmed discussions with the team are progressing but insisted he is concentrating on delivering results rather than contract negotiations.
“For sure, it’s important,” he said when asked about the impact of the victory on his future. “But the things that don’t depend on myself, I am not really thinking about those.”
“I am really working on myself, trying to do my best. And if tomorrow I have another opportunity, I will try.”
The Spaniard revealed that negotiations with Trackhouse have been underway for several races and reflected on the progress both sides have made together since joining forces in 2024.
“Since two or three races, we are talking with Trackhouse. We had some nice talks,” Fernandez said. “When we made our first match in ’24, the team was almost finishing in the last positions and I was almost in the last positions, so I think we did a really good job together.”
“I think it is time to make everything work in that way to be continued in the future. But it is something that doesn’t depend on me. I have the people around me who are working on that.”
With another victory adding momentum to his season, Fernandez has strengthened both his standing inside the Aprilia project and his case for remaining with Trackhouse beyond the end of his current contract.
