In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, where talent is abundant and seats are scarce, team bosses must look beyond raw speed when deciding who gets a coveted factory ride. For Trackhouse Racing, that decision was made easier by a single attribute that team owner Justin Marks believes separates the good from the great.
Raul Fernandez, the Spanish rider who has been with the American outfit since its MotoGP debut in 2024, will continue to fly the Trackhouse colors in the 2026 season. While his results have shown flashes of brilliance, it was his attitude and approach that ultimately sealed the deal.
More than just speed
In a recent interview, Marks highlighted an attribute that he says “great riders” must possess — a quality that convinced him to keep Fernandez on board. While Marks did not explicitly name the trait, his comments suggest it involves a combination of resilience, coachability, and a relentless drive to improve.
“There are plenty of fast riders out there,” Marks said. “But the ones who become great are those who understand that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint. They take feedback, they work tirelessly, and they never lose sight of the bigger picture.”
Fernandez, who came up through the ranks with a stellar Moto2 campaign, has faced his fair share of challenges in the premier class. After a difficult rookie season with KTM’s Tech3 squad, he found a new home at Trackhouse, where he has shown steady progress.
A vote of confidence
The decision to extend Fernandez’s contract is a clear vote of confidence from a team that is building for the future. Trackhouse, which entered MotoGP with ambitions of shaking up the established order, sees Fernandez as a key piece of that puzzle.
“Raul has the mentality we want in this team,” Marks added. “He’s not just here to make up the numbers. He’s here to grow, to learn, and eventually to fight for podiums and wins. That’s the kind of rider you invest in.”
Fernandez’s 2025 campaign has been a mixed bag, with flashes of top-10 pace but also some inconsistency. However, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and his willingness to work closely with his crew have impressed the team’s hierarchy.
Building for the future
Trackhouse has been on an upward trajectory since joining MotoGP. With a strong technical partnership and a clear development plan, the team is aiming to become a regular contender in the coming years. Keeping Fernandez, who is still just 25, fits that long-term vision.
The 2026 grid will see several rider moves, and Trackhouse’s early decision to secure Fernandez provides stability. It also sends a message to other riders that the team values loyalty and character as much as pure pace.
For Fernandez, the renewed contract is a chance to repay the trust shown in him. “I’m very happy to continue with Trackhouse,” he said. “We are building something special, and I want to be part of that. I believe in this project, and I’m ready to give everything.”
The road ahead
As MotoGP heads into the second half of the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Fernandez to see if he can translate his potential into consistent results. With the security of a new deal, he can focus fully on his racing.
Marks’s comments serve as a reminder that in the cutthroat world of motorsport, character often counts as much as talent. The attribute he praised may not show up in lap times, but it is what builds champions.
For Trackhouse and Fernandez, the future looks bright. And if that “great rider” quality continues to shine through, the team’s faith could well be rewarded with the success they crave.
