Raul Fernandez says his mistake at the start of the Italian Grand Prix is going to play on his mind long into the night on Sunday.
The Spaniard started the race as one of the favourites after winning the Saturday sprint aboard his Trackhouse Aprilia. But he ruined his chances in the opening seconds as he ran ultra-wide at the first corner, dropping as low as 17th on the first lap.
He explained that he had struggled to get the bike into gear when downshifting for the opening right-hander, San Donato.
“I braked at the same spot as in the sprint, but because of the slipstream I went too far because I didn’t get into gear,” he said. “It was my mistake.
“The result isn’t what I wanted, but the feeling [on the bike] was really good. I’m very hard on myself, and I’m going to have trouble sleeping tonight because of the mistake I made.”
Mugello
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images
Fernandez battled his way back to cross the line in eighth, but was then put back one spot by the stewards following contact with Honda rider Luca Marini. Either way, it was a case of what might have been for the man who started from the middle of the front row.
The Madrid rider may already have a grand prix win to his name following his success at Phillip Island last year, but he sensed an even bigger opportunity at Mugello.
“I won in Australia, but today was the first time I felt I was a bit ahead of the rest,” he said. “But I made a mistake, and the fact that I’ve cost the team a potential podium finish really upsets me.”
Team-mate Ai Ogura did his best to deliver the squad a podium instead, but was unable to make his move on Francesco Bagnaia at the final corner stick.
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