Trackhouse Aprilia MotoGP rider Raul Fernandes stated that regardless of ending on the rostrum in Thailand, he continues to have “some issues” as a result of a shoulder damage he sustained final November.
The Spaniard suffered {a partially} dislocated shoulder in a quick crash, forcing him to withdraw from the 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix.
He returned every week later, narrowly lacking out on victory on the Valencia Grand Prix, and was visibly uncomfortable on the 2026 Thai Grand Prix after warming up on Sunday morning.
Raul Fernandes later revealed that he had tweaked his injured shoulder through the session, admitting that he nonetheless would not really feel absolutely match.
“Nonetheless, I’ve had some issues with my shoulder since Portugal final 12 months,” stated Fernandes, who was third within the Thai Grand Prix.
“My left shoulder is not 100%.
“Anyway, this morning there was a wierd motion within the nook and I felt one thing fallacious (in my shoulder).
“Instantly after my warm-up, I went to the physician to ensure every part was below management.
“I had some tape on my shoulder, however I felt actually good within the race. I did not have any issues.”
Podium as a substitute of the place that Trackhouse anticipated
Fernandes carried out nicely all weekend at Satellite tv for pc Aprilia in Buriram, qualifying third and recording consecutive third-place finishes.
He was heading in the right direction to complete second behind the manufacturing unit crew’s Marco Bezzecchi, however suffered main tire degradation within the second half.
Nonetheless, he admits that what is anticipated of him for the time being is solely to be a top-eight contender, that means a podium in Buriram was not the purpose he was aiming for.
“The race was good. I managed it very nicely. I really feel snug with the bike.”
“We do not have every part below management but, however we’re getting nearer to having every part below management.
“And, after all, it felt somewhat unusual as a result of I used to be second till the final six laps. I attempted, however I had a number of issues with the rear tire. The tire was virtually accomplished.”
“We tried exhausting, however to be trustworthy we did not get the outcomes we anticipated as a result of we had been anticipating to be within the prime 5 and never on the rostrum.
“However as we defined all through preseason, we’re riders who’ve to consider ending within the prime eight all 12 months lengthy.
“If there’s a probability, we are able to combat for the rostrum and we’ve to strive. However that isn’t our actual purpose.”
