Augusto Fernandez Poised for Yamaha MotoGP Test Team Role Amid Uncertain Racing Future

Augusto Fernandez might have a future with a new MotoGP team, though not in a racing capacity.

Augusto Fernandez, who won the Moto2 World Championship in 2022 and is presently riding for GasGas Tech3, might become part of the Yamaha MotoGP team in 2025.

According to a report by Motorsport.com, if Fernandez were to become part of Yamaha, it would be in the capacity of a member of their official MotoGP test team, not as a rider for their newly established Pramac satellite team.

Historically, Fernandez joining Yamaha would have implied taking over Cal Crutchlow’s spot. However, MotoGP test teams are now shifting towards employing multiple riders. KTM has led this change, currently employing Dani Pedrosa, Pol Espargaro, and Jonas Folger as test riders.

If it comes to Yamaha, Fernandez would be teaming up with Crutchlow, who has largely been sidelined this year due to a wrist injury and subsequent recovery issues following surgery to address the initial problem.

In 2025, Honda will expand its MotoGP test team to include two riders. Aleix Espargaro, who currently rides for Aprilia, will join Stefan Bradl in the HRC lineup.

At just 26 years old and not turning 27 until late September, Fernandez doesn't typically appear as the kind of rider suited for a test role. As a World Champion from just two years ago, the Spanish rider is theoretically just entering his prime. This contrasts with riders like Crutchlow and Pedrosa, who both continued racing into their 30s before retiring and taking on test rider roles.

Yamaha's Sporting Director, Massimo Meregalli, mentioned to Motorsport.com that Fernandez fits the profile of the rider they seek.

"We aim to enhance our test team by recruiting a new rider. Our focus isn't on veterans or retired riders; instead, we seek a young, eager individual who is ready to put in numerous laps, maximizing the training opportunities permitted by concessions," he stated, also affirming that Crutchlow will continue to be a member of the test team.

In a conversation with Crash.net last Thursday, just before the British Grand Prix, Fernandez remarked, “It’s challenging, but I aim to make the most of every opportunity I get in MotoGP.”

Fernandez is contemplating a move to WorldSBK. He mentioned that it offers a viable career path where people enjoy racing, which aligns with his own goals. He added that he would join if he could secure a competitive bike.

So far this year in WorldSBK, only BMW, Ducati, and Kawasaki have secured race victories. BMW's sole win came courtesy of Toprak Razgatlioglu. For Ducati, victories were achieved exclusively by their factory riders Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista, and by Nicholas Spinelli when he stood in for Danilo Petrucci at Assen. Kawasaki's only win was by Alex Lowes at Phillip Island. Given these results, the number of competitive Superbikes is quite limited, especially since BMW has already confirmed that Toprak Razgatlioglu and Michael van der Mark will be part of their factory team next season.

Consequently, Fernandez finds the Yamaha testing position attractive. He mentioned to Motorsport.com that he is in discussions with Yamaha about the role, should no opportunities arise in either MotoGP or SBK.

In addition to maintaining his presence in the MotoGP paddock by riding Grand Prix motorcycles and being involved with a factory team, Fernandez's testing position would provide him with several wildcard entries—potentially up to six, depending on Crutchlow's physical condition and desire to compete. Furthermore, he would have the chance to step in for any of the four Yamaha riders (from both the factory and Pramac teams) if they were to get injured, similar to how Remy Gardner replaced Alex Rins in Germany.

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