Raul Fernandez has become one of the first MotoGP riders to secure a contract for the 2027 season, but the decision has sparked debate given his struggles throughout the current campaign.
Only a handful of riders outside the championship's top 15 have already locked in their futures beyond 2026, making Fernandez's new deal one of the more surprising moves in the rider market.
The Trackhouse Aprilia rider has endured a difficult season, with illness, inconsistent form and a lack of competitive results leaving him well down the standings. While teammate Ai Ogura has emerged as one of MotoGP's biggest success stories this year and established himself as a title contender, Fernandez has struggled to make a similar impact.
His performances have led some observers to question whether he has earned another contract or simply benefited from circumstances beyond his control.
Source: Motorcycle Sports
Fernandez entered MotoGP carrying enormous expectations after finishing runner-up in the 2021 Moto2 championship. However, his premier class career has yet to match that early promise.
His rookie campaign with KTM proved difficult before he switched to Aprilia, where flashes of speed have been overshadowed by inconsistent results and an inability to regularly challenge at the front.
Despite that record, Aprilia continues to believe in the 25-year-old's potential.
The manufacturer has maintained its faith in Fernandez, valuing not only his speed but also his experience with the RS-GP project as it prepares for MotoGP's major technical regulation changes in 2027. Continuity has become an increasingly important factor as manufacturers build towards the new 850cc era.
The contract also reflects the current state of the rider market.
Several top riders remain unsigned for 2027 as manufacturers carefully reshape their line-ups ahead of the regulation overhaul, meaning teams are balancing long-term development with immediate results.
While Fernandez's extension has attracted criticism, the remainder of the 2026 season offers him an opportunity to justify Aprilia's confidence.
With several races still remaining before the championship concludes, stronger performances could help silence doubts and prove that the manufacturer's decision was based on future potential rather than past results.
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