The arrival of Augusto Fernandez at Yamaha as a test rider is finally confirmed and it marks a turning point for the Japanese manufacturer. After a period of drought in MotoGP, Yamaha is banking on the youth and potential of the young Spaniard to relaunch its YZR-M1.
Augusto Fernandez has been officially confirmed as a test pilot for the program Yamaha MotoGP in 2025. After two difficult years in MotoGP with KTM Tech3, the Spaniard joins Cal Crutchlow in the test team of Yamaha , thus strengthening the YZR-M1 development program.
The career of Fernandez in MotoGP had had its ups and downs, with his best result being a fourth place at the 2023 French Grand Prix. However, the move from KTM to the carbon frame in 2024 had complicated his second season, limiting his performances and leading to the end of his contract with the team. Tech3.
Despite the sand, Augusto Fernandez has bounced back with a new strategic role at Yamaha . “ I am very happy and super excited to join Yamaha as a test rider for 2025" , did he declare. “ It is a great honor to be part of the Yamaha family., and I want to thank everyone who made this possible. In this incredible new project, I will do my best to help Yamaha get back to where they deserve to be."
Augusto Fernandez has his roadmap: " Motorcycle development is a priority for Yamaha »
Lynn Jarvis, General Manager of Yamaha Racing, explained the importance of this signature: “ Motorcycle development is a priority for Yamaha as we aim to to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible"
With the physical constraints encountered by Cal Crutchlow in 2024, Fernandez appears as a strategic asset. Cal was unfortunately unable to fulfill all of his testing duties in 2024 and it became clear that we needed to recruit a second pilot to help us deliver all the essential activities for 2025" , he clarified Jarvis.
Thanks to the current ranking of Yamaha dealerships, Fernandez will also be able to compete up to six wildcard races in 2025. In addition, he will be the official replacement rider in the event of the absence of one of the four riders from the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP or Prima Pramac Yamaha teams. MotoGP.
« We believe Augusto will be a great fit for both the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP test team and the YZR-M1." , Jarvis added. Augusto is young and fast, he can test alongside Cal and learn the special methodology required of a full-time test pilot."
Augusto Fernandez will begin its first official test sessions during the shakedown de Sepang end of January 2025, where he will actively participate in the development of the new YZR-M1. At the same time, Yamaha closely monitors recovery by Cal Crutchlow after his recent physical problems, hoping that he can resume his responsibilities as soon as possible.
