When HRC factory rider, Ruben Fernandez crossed the finish line in Germany last weekend, he did so with a lot of relief. Having picked up a podium finish, this meant his year of watching his team-mates win GPs and finish top three was over, at leas for now and it was his time to taste the glory of podium champagne and get the applause from his team.

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Having missed the podium all year, the likeable Spaniard knew that this would help his momentum and confidence and hopefully see him score more podiums and top three moto finishes in 2026. The third place in moto one in Germany was just his second this year, as he finished top three in the opening moto in Switzerland, when Lucas Coenen, Jeffrey Herlings and Andrea Adamo all went out with chain problems.

Sitting in eight place in the MXGP points standings is pretty much where he belongs, when it comes to his previous seasons, and in a 450 class that is full of factory riders, former GP winners and world champions, his position in the world standings is a good one, but he wants a lot more.

Heading into Kegums

Fernandez: Great to get up on the box for the first time this year. Big thanks to all the team for helping me and believing in me and it’s great to be able to repay all that faith. Now that I’ve done it once, I want to try and keep on doing it, and that starts in Kegums this weekend. It’s kind of sandy but it’s a fun track and I feel good about my riding and my starts were better in Germany so let’s keep these good times rolling.

That Podium in Germany

Fernandez: This was my first podium since China, so I’m very happy to back on the box here in Germany. It’s been a long time, and it certainly wasn’t easy and even now, I still don’t feel like I’m at my very best, but this was a step in the right direction. It was a shame to have that crash in the second moto, otherwise I’d have been second overall, but overall, I have to be happy. Now I really want to kick-on for the rest of the season.

The Feeling

Fernandez: I’m really happy because it’s always good to be on the podium. Especially because the last time was in China last year. This year I haven’t felt very comfortable on the bike, and we’ve been working with the team to make some changes to try and get a better feeling with the bike. It looks like things are moving in the right direction, and I felt a bit better this weekend. But I’m still looking for better feelings on the bike, to be honest. It’s the feeling I have when I’m riding, and I hope I can improve and ride a bit more like I know I can in the near future. But it’s been a positive weekend, it’s always good to be on the podium. We’ll go home, get back to work and prepare for the next race next weekend.

A Team of Champion

Fernandez: My teammates are doing a really good job this year, especially Jeffrey Herlings, who is really in form. I try to follow as much as possible. From the beginning of the season, the results were not what we hoped for, but the season is still long. We keep trying and working to improve a little more every round. It’s also good that I’m able to bring a result to the team when my teammates aren’t there. I mainly try to focus on myself every weekend. This time Tom couldn’t race, Jeffrey had a problem in the first moto. But it’s always good to show that I’m here too and that I can bring a strong result for the team.

His Accident in Germany

Fernandez: I tried to close the door, and I think there wasn’t enough room for him to pass me there. I even think he went a little outside the track limits. I thought he would stay calm and wait for a better opportunity to try and make the pass in a corner, maybe carrying a bit more speed. But I guess he saw an opportunity and tried to take it, which is normal. Given the nature of the track, you can’t afford to let opportunities pass by. He was a little optimistic, and we both crashed. Everything happened quickly. We got back up as fast as possible. The final result could have been better without that, but I’m still on the podium at the end of the weekend.