Fernandez: Hardest part is not knowing

Triple 2019 Moto2 race winner Augusto Fernandez, poached from Pons to Marc VDS in place of reigning champion Alex Marquez over the winter, left the Qatar season-opener without any points after an early fall.

The ongoing coronavirus disruption means the Spaniard has now had plenty of time to dwell on the Losail disappointment.

“It was a big pity about the crash because I had a very good feeling with the bike and I think I could have done a very good race," he said.

"We had taken a very important step with respect to the tests and the package of bike, team and rider was ready to go.

"That's why I was so angry to have to paused the season because we had found a good rhythm and everything was starting to flow.”

That flow has now been stopped by the coronavirus, with Fernandez joining most Europeans in being confined at home, where he is doing his best to prepare for an ever-shifting restart date.

"I'm spending this period at home with my family and we are all trying to manage it as best as possible. I won't deny that it's starting to get a bit tough, but you have to arm yourself with patience, positive energy and pull yourself through," he said.

“The biggest change is obviously the limited movement that being unable to ride a bike means. That is something that is present always in my usual routine when we are not at the Grand Prix.

"Apart from this my day-to-day has not changed that much. The only thing is that I normally train in the gym with my trainer, but I try to continue with similar work at home.

“I ride my bike a lot using the roller. I like it because, despite being static, it simulates very well the sensation of movement and it seems that you are riding outside. For strength training I use some weights that I already had around the house and I get inventive when I need to increase the weight. I use and lift everything I can find from carafes, pots, and water jugs.

“The hardest part is not knowing when everything will be back to normal... I try to follow a fixed training routine to keep fit and to help the days go by more smoothly. I work by objectives. For example, right now, the first Grand Prix is due to be in Germany, so I'm preparing for that. If they postpone it? Well, I will focus on the next one and prepare for that as best as possible.”