Yamaha finally confirms Augusto Fernández as test rider

The arrival of Augusto Fernández as Yamaha test rider had been anticipated for more than four months, it is finally official! After two difficult seasons on Tech3’s KTM in MotoGP, the 2022 Moto2 champion had mentioned this rapprochement several times in recent weeks, and we even saw it in the Yamaha garage during the Barcelona test.

“I am very happy and excited to join Yamaha in the role of test rider for 2025”can now declare Fernández. “It’s a great honor to join the Yamaha family and I want to thank everyone who made this possible. I will do my best in this incredible project to help Yamaha get back to the place they deserve.”

Augusto Fernández joins a reinforced testing team for 2025, a season which will also mark the start of the association between Pramac and Yamaha, thus doubling the number of motorcycles entered. This year, Yamaha’s testing was very limited due to a hand injury followed by complications for Cal Crutchlow, in charge of testing for the brand, but the latter will remain in place.

Lin Jarvis, general manager of Yamaha Motor Racing for a few more days, is “ravi” to confirm the presence of Augusto Fernández alongside the British driver. “The development of the bike is the priority for Yamaha as we want to return to victory as quickly as possible”said the leader.

“We recruited Augusto to be Yamaha’s second test rider alongside Cal Crutchlow. Cal was unfortunately unable to fulfill his role in testing in 2024 and it became clear that we needed to recruit a second pilot to assist us in completing all essential activities for 2025.”

Due to his injury, Crutchlow also had to give up the three wild cards that were planned for 2024 and the brand was only able to maintain two, ultimately entrusting the bike to Remy Gardner, the brand’s WorldSBK rider. The concessions allow Yamaha to sign an additional rider six times during the year and next season Fernández will participate in “several wild cards”which remain to be defined. He will also be the preferred driver if a replacement is necessary.

“Our current level of performance allows us to take full advantage of the testing program”Jarvis clarified. “In addition to the tests, we have the idea of ​​entering up to six wild cards, and Augusto will be the replacement rider if one of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team or Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders is not in able to compete in a race in 2025. These numerous opportunities should allow Augusto to maintain his racing speed while taking part in an intense testing program.