Podium performance from Fernandez at tricky Teutschenthal

Ruben Fernandez delivered a strong performance at the MXGP of Germany in Teutschenthal, securing his first podium of the season despite challenging weather conditions. Heavy rain prior to the races transformed the track into a slippery and demanding surface, but Fernandez demonstrated his skill and determination by finishing third overall with race results of third and seventh. His ability to capitalise on strong starts and maintain position was crucial, particularly in a circuit where overtaking opportunities were scarce. Jeffrey Herlings faced a difficult day, hindered by a technical issue that forced him out of the first race and less-than-ideal starts that compromised his chances against championship rivals. Although he showed the pace to contend for victories, the tight track layout made passing nearly impossible, resulting in a tough weekend for the Dutch rider. Meanwhile, Tom Vialle was unable to compete due to injuries sustained in a crash the previous week, adding to the challenges faced by the Honda HRC PETRONAS team. In the MX2 category, Valerio Lata put in consistent performances, finishing seventh overall despite some setbacks late in both races. The Italian rider improved noticeably on a track that became increasingly treacherous after the storm, demonstrating progress in his debut season. The team now faces a quick turnaround as they prepare for the next round at Latvia’s sandy Kegums circuit, where conditions and race dynamics will differ significantly. Fernandez expressed satisfaction with his podium finish, acknowledging it as a positive step forward even though he did not feel fully at his best. Herlings remained determined despite the setback, looking ahead to the upcoming race with optimism about a track that better suits his style. Team manager Marcus Pereira de Freitas highlighted the importance of strong starts and noted the team’s ongoing efforts to improve in this area, while also emphasising the need to get Vialle back to full fitness for the next event. The weekend underscored the challenges posed by weather and circuit characteristics in the MXGP series, with riders needing to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Honda HRC PETRONAS showed resilience and potential, with Fernandez’s podium signalling a possible resurgence as the championship progresses. The focus now shifts to Latvia, where the team aims to build on this momentum and address the issues that hampered their performance in Germany.