Raul Fernandez’s manager Paco Sanchez said before the start of the MotoGP summer holidays that negotiations with KTM about Raul had long been stalled and stopped. And so, the decision was made by the owner Tech3.
Fernandez was transferred to MotoGP precisely by the decision of KTM Factory Racing. It was an “extraordinary decision”, as Pete Bayer explained last year: Fernandez was offered to stay in Moto2 and fight for the championship title with Red Bull KTM Ajo, but he (through his manager) said that he had an offer from competitors – to move to the Royal Class and that if KTM did not if an adequate alternative is offered, then Raul will take advantage of the offer of “another Racing Team”.
In general, it is obvious that this is not how things are done. Pete Bayer, of course, found a solution to the problem – both Red Bull KTM Ajo drivers ended up in MotoGP because they really fought for the Moto2 title in 2021 on equal terms. But Fernandez got the lowest salary he could imagine! It was logical and bothered only him, as well as his manager Paco Sanchez.
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Who else would think of offering a newcomer, who also literally extorted a place in the team, a more or less decent salary? KTM has provided Fernandez and Gardner with the same conditions for development and growth in MotoGP, and Fernandez doesn’t like them.
The breakup was predictable!
Poncharal commented on the situation with the composition of the team to French journalists as follows: “At the moment we are waiting for the signing of contracts. The fact is that the contracts with the riders are concluded directly with KTM. What I know more or less for sure is that Raoul will not be with us in 2023. Rather, its extension is extremely unlikely, since he himself does not seem to want it. But we gave him a chance … Participation in MotoGP is a gift of fate, it is a privilege. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter at all which motorcycle and how you enter MotoGP – this is a chance to show yourself from all sides in order to prepare for the future, for a brilliant career continuation. That’s all I can say at the moment,” said Herve Poncharal.