Trackhouse Aprilia owner Justin Marks has stated he wants to keep Raul Fernández on the team for the 2027 MotoGP season.
2027 rider strategy overhaul
Initially, the North American outfit planned to keep Japanese rider Ai Ogura as its anchor, but Ogura signed full‑time with Yamaha after delaying Marks’ offer. With Ogura gone, Marks turned to a fresh pairing, first securing Italian rider Enea Bastianini, who is set to exit KTM’s Tech3 contract on 30 June unless the Austrian shop keeps him.
Fernández back on the radar
Fernández’s recent successes—including a sprint win at Mugello—and the team’s need for riders versed in the brand’s forthcoming technical changes made Marks revisit the pair. A source close to the talks told Motorsport.com the rider and his manager are working toward a one‑season agreement that could be sealed this weekend in Brno.
Brno test, health update
The 2027 Aprilia chassis and tyre series was called into play during Monday’s Brno test, where Fernández was again a focus. After recovering from acute appendicitis, the Madrid‑born rider described a “zero energy” day but stressed that rest, nutrition and a careful plan are essential for the sprint on Saturday.
With the contract still unsigned, the team’s eyes remain set on a swift conclusion in Brno, while Fernández adapts to the latest machinery and the demands of a newfound rider lineup.
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