Raul Fernandez Claims First-Ever MotoGP Victory at the Philip Island

Trackhouse Racing celebrates a historic first win as Fernandez dominates at Phillip Island, with Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi rounding off the podium.

Raul Fernandez achieved a major career breakthrough at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, taking his maiden MotoGP win and delivering a first-ever premier class victory for the Trackhouse Racing team. The Spaniard rode a flawless race at Phillip Island, capitalising on early drama to seal a dominant and emotional triumph.

Sprint race winner Marco Bezzecchi launched off the line from second to overtake pole-sitter Fabio Quartararo before the first corner, with Fernandez and rookie Pedro Acosta also slotting past the Frenchman. Bezzecchi’s early pace looked strong, but the Aprilia rider’s charge was halted by a double long-lap penalty carried over from Indonesia, where he caused a crash involving Marc Marquez.

That opened the door for Fernandez, who took full advantage of the clear track ahead. Once in front, the 24-year-old never looked back, managing his tyres expertly to secure a historic victory, not only his first in MotoGP but also Aprilia’s 300th Grand Prix win as a manufacturer.

“So sorry, but I cannot believe it,” said Fernandez. “The team always believed in me. They never stopped supporting me, and this win is the result of that hard work. It was a super long race, but I managed the tyres as best as I could. I’m just so happy.”

Behind him, Fabio Di Giannantonio of VR46 Racing put in a consistent ride to claim second place, while Bezzecchi produced a stunning recovery to complete the podium despite his penalties. “It was a super tough race,” Bezzecchi admitted. “With the penalty, everything was more complicated, but my strategy worked perfectly. I didn’t imagine a podium was possible today.”

Quartararo, who had set a record-breaking qualifying lap on Saturday, endured a disappointing afternoon, dropping down the order to finish 11th. Local favourite Jack Miller also faced heartbreak after crashing out of podium contention while running sixth, while two-time world champion Francesco Bagnaia’s race ended prematurely after a late crash.

With Fernandez’s emotional breakthrough, the 2025 MotoGP season now boasts seven different winners, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the championship. The action now heads to Sepang, where the battle for the runner-up spot continues, with Marc Marquez aiming to secure second overall, while Bezzecchi and Bagnaia fight it out for third in the standings.