MotoGP News: Augusto Fernandez Linked To New Team Seat For 2025

Saajan Jogia | Aug 6, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Augusto Fernandez (37) of Spain and Red Bull Tech3 GASGAS rides in warmups before the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

MotoGP teams have been expanding their rider lineups by hiring test riders, and Yamaha is reportedly eyeing Augusto Fernandez for its MotoGP roster as a test rider in 2025. The 26-year-old, currently riding for GasGas Tech3, is exploring his options for the next season, with the Yamaha test seat emerging as a potential final choice.

MotoGP teams are evolving into multi-rider setups, a trend initiated by KTM, which employs Dani Pedrosa, Pol Espargaro, and Jonas Folger as test riders. Honda is also set to expand its MotoGP test team in 2025, adding current Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro to join Stefan Bradl in HRC’s lineup.

If it weren't for a test rider seat, Fernandez would be tipped to replace Cal Crutchlow at Yamaha, who is recovering from a wrist injury and remained absent for most of the season. However, it remains to be seen if a young rider with great potential like Fernandez fits into Yamaha's test rider narrative.

It hasn't been long since Fernandez clinched the 2022 Moto2 World Championship, marking a period of peak physical fitness for the Spaniard. With his prime racing years ahead, Fernandez faces a pivotal decision - to aim higher and secure a MotoGP seat for championship contention or to sign with Yamaha as a test rider. Either path holds significant potential for his career trajectory.

Yamaha Sporting Director Massimo Meregalli confirmed that the team was looking for a young test rider like Fernandez. As reported by Crash.net, he told Motorsport.com:

“We want to strengthen the test team and sign a rider, but we don't think about a veteran or a retired rider, we want a young man who wants to do a lot of laps and we can make the most of the training that concessions allow us."

Fernandez understands the potential he carries, unlike other seasoned test riders like Pedrosa, who are well into their 30s after having accomplished achievements in the premier class. Last week, he revealed his desire to seize every opportunity in MotoGP while he can, mentioning that he is also open to exploring options in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). He said:

“There’s a career there, people having fun and enjoying racing there which is what we’re looking for also. [...] If there is a good bike in Superbike I will take it.”

However, with only Ducati, BMW, and Kawasaki securing victories in WSBK this season, Fernandez's options within these top-performing teams are limited. As a result, he keeps the Yamaha test rider opportunity open as a viable fallback if other possibilities don't materialize.

On the bright side, the test rider role at Yamaha could pave the way for future opportunities in MotoGP. It would keep Fernandez actively involved in the sport, allowing him to participate as a wildcard (up to six) and also serve as a substitute for injured riders.