Top ten for Augusto Fernandez in the #DutchGP and 14th for Jonas Folger
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will stride into the 2023 MotoGP summer break with an extra bounce in their step thanks to another rocket performance from premier class rookie Augusto Fernandez, who rode the GASGAS RC16 to 10th position at a sweltering and packed TT Circuit Assen. Jonas Folger also acquired more Grand Prix points with 14th place. The GASGAS Aspar Team had cause to celebrate in Moto2™ as Jake Dixon took an emotional first win in the class.
A sunny and inviting TT Circuit Assen, flanked with another capacity crowd on the MotoGP slate, meant a full-speed round eight of the championship and Augusto Fernandez played his part in the show with another fine performance. The technical challenge of Assen meant that his MotoGP rookie experience was always going to be tough but AF37 survived an early miscalculation at the Geert Timmer chicane to continue to plough a course through the pack. At the flag, Augusto had trailblazed to 10th: his third top ten classification of the year and ensuring he remains one of only two riders in the championship to have scored points in every single Grand Prix.
Proving his competitiveness, Jonas Folger rode to 14th for his third grasp of world championship points bounty since coming into the team to replace Pol Espargaro. The German was happy with the front end feel of the GASGAS RC16 and made it count on Sunday.
The British Grand Prix on the first weekend of August means the team, paddock and the championship can now enjoy a small break from the intensity of MotoGP and the exciting fresh format that has given 2023 such a strong identity. However, the race will take place around Silverstone in England, another long, complex and throttle-heavy racetrack that should guarantee another hefty bout of gripping action.
Augusto Fernandez, 10th:
“It felt a bit like a survival race today. I had a good start but then some issues in the first few laps and a moment at the final chicane. It was hot and difficult out there and I didn’t feel great on the bike. I tried to recover positions and wanted to get some points. It’s been a solid first half of the season but I want to make a step in the second half because I think I have the potential and will try to improve.”
Jonas Folger, 14th:
“I’m happy with the race and happy with the step I have made and how the guys have worked with me in the last six races. I want to thank the team for their understanding of my situation and for always keeping calm, no matter where we were and how we were doing. I enjoyed working a lot with these guys. It was a pleasure to come back and live some old memories. I think we did a great job today and now I’m looking forward to taking everything I have learned into my testing program.”
