Neil Hodgson: Raul Fernandez ‘started to question his ability' before Grand Prix Italy Sprint win

Trackhouse rider Fernandez won on Saturday at Mugello after he took the lead almost from the start, and despite attention from fellow Aprilia rider - factory outfit’s Jorge Martin - for much of the race, he held his nerve and ultimately took a straightforward victory.

Such was the assured route and tone of victory, Hodgson said on TNT Sports after the win that he was left hugely impressed, given a rocky start for the Spaniard in MotoGP.

He said: ”It's as good as I've seen. It's really as good as I've seen. I'm pleased for him. I am. He's grown up, hasn't he? You felt like he needed to a little bit. He didn't burst onto the scene. 

”It wasn't like he was stunning straight away in Moto3. Then, it clicked.  He started winning, went straight to Moto2 and what a debut season. Eight race wins in his rookie season. 

”So impressive that KTM signed him [to MotoGP] and then we all started to question his ability, his level. I think he questioned himself quite a lot. It's been a long road, but I think we're seeing the full potential of Raul Fernandez, and it's a pleasure to watch.”

Hodgson’s colleague Sylvain Guintoli noted that the satellite rider defeated a factory racer, and it may have had something to do with Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola’s intervention. 

Martin and Fernandez collided last weekend at Grand Prix Catalunya, and Rivola reportedly gathered his riders to remind them to show each other respect.

Guintoli explained: ”The Aprilia bosses got them all together, sat round a table, and talked it out, about what's expected when you've got a factory contract."

The returning Marc Marquez claimed fifth spot after returning from surgery on his shoulder, and Guintoli thought it was the best performance the Spaniard could have hoped for.

He added: ”That was good. That was as good as I thought it was going to go. It was the perfect start. He did lose quite a few positions in the first few corners.

”That's been a problem this season [in Sprints], and last season. In the opening laps, it's never been his forte.”

Attention will now turn to Sunday’s full-length race, which will be shown live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Marco Bezzecchi retains the lead of the world championship. He has 148 points, while Martin is in second spot, 12 points behind.

Fabio Di Giannantonio took third spot in the Sprint, and he is on 123 points, also in third, behind the two Aprilia factory riders.

Hodgson concluded by warning Bezzecchi that he was far from assured of success at this point, saying: ”A long way to go this season, so long to go. 

”You can't think about the championship at this point if you're Marco Bezzecchi, you've just got to keep working.”

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