Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez say they are eager to get the 2024 MotoGP World Championship season underway as they look to prove to new team owners Trackhouse Racing they are worthy of their position in the satellite Aprilia squad.
The two riders ended the 2023 MotoGP season facing uncertainty after their CryptoData RNF Racing team was formally expelled from the series after being accused of bringing the sport into disrepute.
Nevertheless, the erstwhile Malaysian-flagged outfit swapped hands to Trackhouse Racing, a US-based team that already enjoys success in NASCAR.
Though the team itself remains fairly unchanged, Trackhouse Racing’s presence is expected to prioritise getting an American rider on the grid in the near future, thus putting Oliveira – whose contract is with Aprilia itself – and Fernandez’s seats under threat.
Even so, both riders showed promise at times in 2023; Oliveira scored a best result of fourth at Silverstone in a campaign blighted by injury, while Fernandez enjoyed a more regular presence in Q2 and managed a best result of fifth in the Valencia finale.
“I’m obviously super happy to be in the US launching this American team in MotoGP,” said Oliveira, who will make use of a 2024-spec Aprilia RS-GP in 2024.
“It’s a great pleasure to be a part of the Trackhouse family. I can’t wait to get started with the new season, new colors, exciting colors, very racy and competitive ones. I can’t wait to get on the new bike during the test in a few days and get the season started.”
“For me it’s really nice and it’s a great opportunity to show the American flag,” added Fernandez, who enters into his third season of MotoGP this year.
“I think it’s great that America will have a MotoGP™ team, so for me it’s a huge pleasure to be here and show this flag. I really like the US and its people.
“The presentation was just amazing. To be here in Los Angeles is just a dream! I’m really happy and have a great feeling for this season. I think I’ll enjoy it a lot.”
