Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Yamaha Motor Racing are delighted to announce that experienced MotoGP™ rider, Augusto Fernández, will strengthen the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP™ Test Team in 2025.
Augusto Fernández has two years of experience in MotoGP™ (2023-2024) and six in Moto2™ (2017-2022), including a World Champion title obtained in 2022. This track record makes the Spaniard a well-established name among motorsport fans and a very familiar character in the MotoGP™ paddock.
During the Sepang MotoGP™ Shakedown from January 31 to February 2, Augusto Fernández will take on this new role aboard the YZR-M1.
Throughout 2025, he will participate in Official IRTA Tests, Yamaha Private Tests as well as wildcards with the aim of helping Yamaha engineers in their MotoGP™ development program.
Lin Jarvis : “I am delighted to confirm that Augusto Fernández will officially join Yamaha for the 2025 season as a Yamaha Factory MotoGP™ test rider. Motorcycle development is a priority for Yamaha because we want to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible.”
“We have signed Augusto to become our second Yamaha test rider alongside Cal Crutchlow. Cal was unfortunately unable to fulfill all of its functions in 2024, and it became clear that we needed to recruit a second pilot to help us carry out all essential activities for 2025.”
“We believe Augusto will be a good fit for both the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP™ test team and the YZR-M1 bike. Augusto is young and fast, and he can test alongside Cal and learn the special methodology required of a full-time test pilot.”
“Our current performance ranking allows us to take full advantage of the maximum limit of the testing program. In addition to the Tests, we have the idea of participating up to six wildcards, and Augusto will also be the replacement rider in case one of the representatives of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ or Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP™ is unfit in 2025. These numerous driving opportunities should allow Augusto to maintain his racing speed while continuing his intensive testing obligations.”
“Augusto has already started working with us off the track, and his first real participation as a Test driver will be during the Shakedown at Sepang at the end of January 2025. In the meantime, we are closely monitoring the “Cal’s fitness has improved after his arm problems this year and hopefully he will be able to return as soon as possible to resume his test pilot duties.”
Augusto Fernandez: “I am very happy and super excited to join Yamaha as a test rider for 2025. It is a great honor to be part of the Yamaha family, and I want to thank everyone who has made this possible “.
“As part of this new project, I will do my best to help Yamaha regain the place it deserves.”
“I can’t wait to start this adventure together!” »
