Raul Fernandez is reportedly about to be confirmed as part of a new Tech 3 KTM lineup for a move to the MotoGP World Championship in 2022.
The Spaniard turned out to be a revelation in the Moto2 World Championship this year. The rookie scored three wins and seven podium places during the summer break, finishing second in the overall standings behind Red Bull Ajo KTM team-mate Remy Gardner.
Since Gardner has already been confirmed at Tech 3 KTM for 2022, the Austrian company had originally expected to promote Fernandez by its side in 2023.
His impressive results, coupled with Yamaha’s growing interest in poaching him for a Petronas SRT ride, however, have led KTM to stave off attention with their own MotoGP deal.
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According to numerous sources, Fernandez – who would have cost Yamaha 500,000 euros to win him from his KTM deal – will be one of three Moto2 graduates next season with Gardner and Gresini Ducati’s Fabio di Giannantonio in MotoGP.
The deal is expected to be announced at the upcoming Styrian MotoGP, KTM’s home race at the Red Bull Ring.
What’s next with Danilo Petrucci?
The deal means bad news for two-time MotoGP race winner Danilo Petrucci, who has to give way after only one year with manufacturer Fernandez.
The Italian joined KTM after being banned from Ducati’s MotoGP roster due to a slump that occurred after his first win during Italy’s 2019 MotoGP. Despite increasing his win record in 2020 during an upside-down MotoGP in France, Petrucci’s form has not recovered after joining KTM.
Still, he was expected to get the nod over teammate Iker Lecuona for 2022 before Fernandez becomes a candidate for his seat.