Former Moto2 world champion Augusto Fernandez sees the role of Yamaha test rider as a temporary solution: The goal is clear, but the road to get there is rocky
Augusto Fernandez was a MotoGP regular for two years but couldn’t find a seat for 2025. He signed with Yamaha and took on the role of test rider. Due to the injury of Pramac Yamaha rider Miguel Oliveira, Fernandez returned to the MotoGP paddock sooner than expected.
Fernandez finished 13th in the points in Austin. The Spaniard has a clear goal for the future: he wants to be a regular Yamaha rider and make his comeback as a full-time rider.
“I’m happy where I am, so I don’t want to leave. And when I come back, I want to come back with them. But I have to prove it,” Fernandez is well aware. After graduating to MotoGP as Moto2 world champion at the end of 2022, he got off to a promising start.
Fernandez was already on the podium with his GasGas in the fifth race of the year. But after finishing fourth at the French Grand Prix in Le Mans, the undisputed highlight of his MotoGP career to date, Fernandez experienced some difficult moments. He finished 17th in the rider standings in 2023 and only 20th in his second year – not enough to convince the MotoGP team managers.
“It’s in my hands. It also depends on the opportunities I get during the year,” says Fernandez, looking confidently to the future. ‘I have to accept that I’m a test rider from now on, and I’m also happy with my position as a Yamaha test rider. It’s a big company, and so is the project they’re currently working on.’
A full-time comeback next year will be difficult as not many contracts are expiring. There are theoretically more options for the 2027 MotoGP season. On the other hand, Fernandez is already celebrating his 28th birthday this year and would be 29 by the start of the 2027 MotoGP season.
This weekend, Fernandez will once again take over the Yamaha M1 from Pramac rider Miguel Oliveira. Apart from his appearances as a replacement rider, Yamaha is also planning a few wildcard appearances. Racing regularly is extremely important for Fernandez.
“When I signed with Yamaha, I told them that I wanted to come back with them because they gave me the opportunity to continue riding MotoGP bikes. I think that was the most important thing for me. If I had only been testing, I would have automatically slowed down,” explains the seven-time Grand Prix winner.
