Since moving up to MXGP, Ruben Fernandez has been very impressive despite not having the best ever MX2 career. The young Spaniard since moving up to the 450cc has looked at home and this year became a full factory HRC Honda rider. Despite being the only rider under the awning for the majority of the season, pressure hasn’t gotten to him.
Still just 24 years old, Fernandez is young and should have a very bright future and at Maggiora he reminded us of his capabilities securing a podium.
We caught up with him after his podium ride in Italy which you can listen to or read below.
GateDrop: Ruben, a very strong weekend for you, very consistent and you got yourself on the box. You must be delighted with how the weekend went for you?
Fernandez: I am actually pretty happy. It has been a long time since I had the crash in Finland dealing with injuries and stuff like that. Not being allowed to ride during the week for at least a month or something like that. Then coming into the races was not easy, I have finally been able to feel better and I could put in the work the last two weeks. I got to ride a lot on the bike during the week so I was more confident coming into this round and the fitness was well better. After all these races being difficult, it is nice to be able to get on the podium again.
GateDrop: Just on the track, there was actually some dust in the second moto, you wouldn’t have thought that yesterday! How did you find the track? It was so dry and slick in the second moto it was a bit like a Spanish track I thought…
Fernandez: Well, it was not suiting my style let’s say the whole weekend. It was pretty gnarly let’s say, I like tracks with more speed and that are faster. So, the second moto was pretty much better for me, it suited my style. Anyway it would not have changed that much as I felt strong with a good start. But anyway, the second moto was good for me, I had to push my way to the end of the moto and I dunno, I think I did the fastest lap of the race towards the end…
GateDrop: Yes, that is right, you did a 1.48 and were the only one in the 1.48’s the whole race…
Fernandez: So, you know that says a lot about how comfortable I was feeling on the track during the last part of the moto. I started to push then to pull away from Jeremy (Seewer) who was pushing me. It was a lot of fun to be able to ride the way I want and on a high rhythm with top speed like the guys at the front normally do so it’s good to be back.
GateDrop: Just on the level of MXGP, it is never easy to get a podium these days so it must feel great to be back on it… also with the level, I feel starts are very important…
Fernandez: Sure, I mean the level is so high in this championship and everyone wants to do good. The competition is strong but of course it can depend on the track at times, sometimes better sometimes worse but the start is always important. You can kind of half of the race done when you start up front, it makes things way easier. Some tracks are worse but some tracks you can start from the back and charge through the field but some others are very difficult to do it.
GateDrop: Just to rewind to the very start of the season at the opening round, you started the season with a bang to win the opening round. How would you reflect on that weekend to win the first round and your first MXGP overall win. It must have felt amazing and maybe a bit of a surprise too?
Fernandez: I mean it was not a surprise. I felt I was able to do it, I was feeling good after my pre-season training and stuff. I felt strong, did a couple of pre-season races and I felt that I was able to do it. Actually arrive there and doing it, it was a real boost of confidence for me. I knew I could do it and then I did it so it is important for the confidence and for the future to know what I am capable of. It was actually my first MXGP round with team HRC Honda, it was the best debut possible. Still today, I am a little bit disappointed with the first moto crash because who knows, maybe I could have got the red plate. I mean it’s in the past and it’s done but it would have been even nicer. I am actually happy with the way it was and of course now we can take a lot of positives from this season into the next one but where we also need to work for coming stronger next season.
GateDrop: When you look at your career in MX2, you never really had a really really good bike behind you, was that difficult to deal with and did you start to think you’d ever get into the position you are now with HRC Honda, it must feel great to have one of the best teams and bikes behind you…
Fernandez: Sure, I never really got the chance to ride a strong bike on the 250cc. As well as that I was dealing with being one of the heavier guys on the start line so off the start I was dead last always no matter what I did. It has always been difficult but you know it is hard because you know you can do better but you don’t have what is needed – a good bike and stuff. Now being part of team HRC Honda is a dream come true for me, I finally have a bike like the other ones or at least the same, I actually feel I have the best team in the paddock. I feel really comfortable with everyone there and it feels like a family there. It is something to dream off after charging through so many years.
GateDrop: What is it like being team mates with Tim Gajser, a five times world champion? Are you able to ride with him much, I think you usually train in Sardinia before the season so that must be a big help?
Fernandez: We mostly see each other on the tests and stuff. He is mostly doing his thing in Slovenia and I do my thing at home as well. But it is pretty good and easy to go with him, he is a very down to earth guy and a very humble person, I feel like. It is always good vibes with him and I also glad to have him as a team mate. There is a lot of things to learn from a five times world champion.
GateDrop: Just on team Spain for the MXoN, you must be delighted to get selected for the event… if you ride like you did today and with Jorge riding his best… Okay, Braceras is still learning in MX2 but if you two do your jobs one good ride from him, Spain could be very strong! Are you looking forward to the event?
Fernandez: Sure, I am feeling good now. Hopefully we can keep the ball rolling into Matterley Basin and then arriving even stronger into the MXoN, I feel like we have a good team. As you said, Jorge is a very strong rider and Braceras joining us, it is going to be good I think. The three riders can do a good result there.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Images: Shot by Bavo
