Augusto Fernandez Joins Yamaha as MotoGP Test Rider

Augusto Fernandez will serve as Yamaha’s primary replacement rider for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

The Yamaha Motor Racing team has officially confirmed Augusto Fernandez as their MotoGP test rider for the 2025 season. Fernandez will bolster the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team, partnering with experienced rider Cal Crutchlow. Additionally, the Spaniard will also participate in wildcard appearances in the premier class next year.

Fernandez brings two years of MotoGP experience (2023-2024) and an impressive six-year stint in Moto2 (2017-2022), during which he clinched the Moto2 World Championship title in 2022. His addition strengthens Yamaha’s development programme as the manufacturer looks to return to its winning ways.

The Spaniard will make his debut as Yamaha’s test rider at the MotoGP shakedown test in Sepang, Malaysia, scheduled from 31 January to 2 February. Throughout the year, he will participate in Official IRTA Tests, private Yamaha testing sessions, and wildcard events, contributing to the development of Yamaha’s YZR-M1 bike.

Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Racing, Lin Jarvis, expressed his enthusiasm for Fernandez’s appointment, emphasizing Yamaha’s commitment to advancing its MotoGP development programme.

“We have signed Augusto to be our second Yamaha Test Rider alongside Cal Crutchlow. Cal was unfortunately unable to fulfil all his testing duties in 2024, and it became obvious that we needed to recruit a second rider to assist us with completing 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 is fast, and he can test alongside Cal and learn the special methodology required from a full-time test rider.

“In addition to the tests, we have the idea to participate in up to six wild-card rides, and Augusto will also be the go-to replacement rider in case any one of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team riders or Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP riders are unable to race at any time in 2025. 

“Augusto has already started to work with us off track, and his first real test participation will be at the shakedown test in Sepang at the end of January 2025. In the meantime, we are following closely Cal’s improving physical condition after his arm issues this year, and we hope he will be able to return as soon as possible to resume his testing duties.”

Fernandez expressed his excitement about joining Yamaha, describing it as an “honour” to be part of the team. “I’m very happy and super excited to join Yamaha as a test rider for 2025,” said Fernandez. “It’s a huge honour to be part of the Yamaha family, and I want to thank everyone who made it happen.

“In this amazing new project, I will do my best to help Yamaha to be back where they deserve to be. I can’t wait to start our journey together!”