Spanish rider Raul Fernandez claimed his first-ever MotoGP victory in spectacular fashion at the Australian Grand Prix, dominating the race to finish 1.418 seconds ahead of Fabio di Giannantonio of VR46 Ducati.
The 24-year-old Trackhouse Aprilia star, competing in his fourth season in MotoGP, produced a masterclass at Phillip Island to finally break through for his maiden win after 76 races in the top class.
Fernandez Dominates to Seal First Career Win
Fernandez took control of the race by lap 10, pulling clear of his rivals and maintaining a commanding lead until the chequered flag. Despite a potential counter-attack from Marco Bezzecchi, who won Saturday’s 13-lap sprint, the Italian’s challenge faded as he served two long-lap penalties, ultimately settling for third place.
“It’s an incredible feeling. We’ve worked so hard for this moment,” Fernandez said post-race. “To finally win in MotoGP is a dream come true. The team believed in me and gave me the bike to fight.”
The Spaniard’s consistent pace and control showcased his growing maturity as a rider, marking a new milestone in his MotoGP journey.
Marquez Sidelined After Shoulder Surgery
Seven-time world champion Marc Marquez missed the Australian Grand Prix after undergoing shoulder surgery following a crash with Bezzecchi in Indonesia. The Honda star is expected to be sidelined for up to 16 weeks, ruling him out of the remaining races of the season.
His absence, however, didn’t stop his brother Alex Marquez from putting in a strong performance for Gresini Racing, finishing fourth and virtually locking up second place in the overall championship standings.
Alex now holds a 97-point lead over Bezzecchi, with just three races remaining and 111 points still available.
Bezzecchi Battles Penalties, Di Giannantonio Shines
While Fernandez took the glory, Bezzecchi’s race was hindered by two costly penalties that dashed his hopes of repeating Saturday’s sprint triumph.
Meanwhile, Fabio di Giannantonio put in one of his best performances of the season, finishing runner-up after a clean and composed ride aboard his VR46 Ducati. His pace late in the race ensured Fernandez never had room for error.
Fernandez’s Breakthrough Moment
This win represents a major milestone for Raul Fernandez, who joined MotoGP in 2022 after a successful stint in Moto2. The Trackhouse Aprilia rider’s progress throughout the 2025 season has been evident, with steady top-10 finishes leading up to this breakthrough moment.
The victory could signal a turning point in his career and for Aprilia’s continued growth as a competitive force in MotoGP.
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