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Fernandez Finds Relief After Turbulent Sepang MotoGP Test

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 19:39 GMT by Crash
      Locales: MALAYSIA, SPAIN

Sepang, Malaysia - February 9th, 2026 - Raul Fernandez of the GASGAS Tech 3 team concluded the crucial Sepang MotoGP test with a palpable sense of relief, marking a significant turnaround from a challenging start to the pre-season preparations. After a turbulent initial two days plagued by crashes and technical difficulties, Fernandez and his team managed to identify a positive setup direction, injecting optimism into their 2026 campaign.

The Sepang International Circuit, a traditional season opener for MotoGP testing, provided a demanding environment for riders to fine-tune their machines before the competitive racing begins. For Fernandez, however, the initial stages of the test were far from smooth. He described the first day as "destructive," citing multiple crashes and a bike that lacked the necessary balance for confident riding. These early setbacks significantly hampered his ability to gather valuable data and establish a solid baseline.

Adding to the frustration, a mechanical issue surfaced on Tuesday, further limiting Fernandez's track time. This double whammy of crashes and mechanical gremlins left him considerably behind schedule and raised concerns about his preparedness for the upcoming season. The team faced a critical situation, needing to swiftly diagnose and address the issues to salvage something from the Sepang test.

"It's been a very strange test, to be honest," Fernandez explained. "The first day was a little bit destructive, I had some crashes and the bike wasn't working so well. Then yesterday [Tuesday] we had a technical issue that didn't allow me to do many laps."

However, Wednesday proved to be a turning point. Fernandez and his crew dedicated the final day to a comprehensive review of the bike's setup, meticulously experimenting with various adjustments. Their relentless efforts bore fruit, allowing Fernandez to regain confidence in the machine and complete a respectable number of laps. The focus wasn't necessarily on chasing outright speed, but rather on establishing a stable and predictable platform for future development.

"Today [Wednesday] we managed to do more laps and find a good base for the bike. We changed a lot of things and finally, I felt like I could ride a bit more normally," Fernandez stated, highlighting the team's successful problem-solving approach. The improvements centered around achieving a better balance in the bike's handling, a crucial element for rider confidence and consistency.

The work done in Sepang wasn't just about fixing immediate problems; it was about laying the groundwork for a more competitive 2026 season. Fernandez acknowledged that there's still a considerable amount of work ahead, but he believes the progress made represents a significant step in the right direction.

"The main thing was the set-up," he said. "We've changed a lot of things to try to find a good balance and now I feel like I can trust the bike a bit more. We still need to do more laps and improve a bit more, but it's a good start and I'm looking forward to the first race."

The 2026 MotoGP season promises to be fiercely competitive, with numerous riders and teams vying for championship glory. The Sepang test served as an important indicator of each team's preparations, and Fernandez's late surge in performance suggests that GASGAS Tech 3 is determined to be a force to be reckoned with. The team's ability to overcome early adversity and identify a promising setup direction speaks volumes about their technical expertise and resilience.

Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the Qatar test and the opening race of the season. Fernandez is confident that the lessons learned in Sepang will translate into improved performance and greater consistency throughout the year. "We know we have a lot of work to do, but we've made a good step in Sepang," he concluded. "I'm looking forward to Qatar and I think we can be more consistent this year." The MotoGP world will be watching closely to see if Fernandez can build on this momentum and fulfill his potential as a front-running contender.