The reigning Moto2 world champion told Autosport he is “really happy” for a 2024 deal to have been completed amid rumours he would lose his seat to KTM prodigy Acosta, who is currently second in the Moto2 standings.
Acosta already confirmed earlier this year that he would be stepping up to MotoGP in 2024, but with KTM having Pol Espargaro, Brad Binder and Jack Miller on two-year deals, Fernandez's future was in doubt.
Fernandez had his best MotoGP result so far at the French Grand Prix, finishing fourth, and has scored in every Sunday race this year.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, he has now confirmed he will remain at Tech3 next season, with the team saying the plan is for him to ride alongside current team-mate Espargaro – who will make his MotoGP return at Silverstone having been out since March with serious injuries.
Asked whether Acosta’s impending promotion had affected him, he said: “You think about that and you’re worried, but now it’s done so super happy to stay here.”
He added: “I’m happy to stay with the same people, because this helps a lot.”
Speaking about his goals for next year, Fernandez said: “First we have a big job on this second half, so let’s see how we finish.
“I think we can do good things this second half, we can be closer to KTM, to the official team and the top guys and then we will see next year.”
In July, KTM boss Stefan Pierer told Speedweek that Fernandez’s contract had been extended, and that “it will all work out” despite having three riders for two seats.
He also said Espargaro would return to the team next season “if he performs as expected” upon his return from injury.
Asked by Autosport whether he thought Pierer’s comments were surprising given he has a contract for next year, Espargaro said he knew he needed to perform to keep his ride.
Source: Autosport