After 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the 2021 MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship, Ruben Fernandez is the surprise leader of the standings with the 114 Motorsports Honda CRF250R; the first time the bike has headed the MX2 points table since Tim Gajser emerged from the 2015 campaign with Honda’s sole title in the category.
Fernandez struggled with consistency and performance of the SDM Corse Yamaha in 2020 and his choice to join former WMX World Champion Livia Lancelot’s relatively new Honda team (backed by Giacomo Gariboldi) for 2021 raised eyebrows. The Spaniard has nonetheless been quick out of the gate and has boasted speed and competitiveness; highlighted aptly by his spectacular overtaking move on Mathys Boisrameon the last corner of the first moto at the British Grand Prix last Sunday to finish 2nd.
“I honestly thought the same,” he admitted, when asked about possible concern over the potential of the Honda for MX2 spoils. “But it has surprised me in a good way. All the engine and bike development is done by the team and they’ve done a great job. I’m super-happy with what I have and I think the results show that a little bit. For me it’s an improvement from last year, and not only the bike but also the way to work. It’s all coming together.”
114 Motorsports had previously enjoyed prominence with Australians Hunter Lawrence and Mitch Evans but Fernandez, who is 22 and has at least another year in the class, is the first to bring a red plate to the set-up.
Article: Adam Wheeler
Image: Nigel McKinstry
