Fabio Quartararo Ends 2024 MotoGP Season with Positive Yamaha Test
Fabio Quartararo ends 2024 on a positive note, securing P2 in Barcelona’s MotoGP test. Yamaha shows promising progress ahead of…
The 2025 MotoGP season has begun, but one familiar face was absent from the track during the recent Barcelona test. Augusto Fernandez, 2022 Moto2 World Champion and GasGas Tech3 MotoGP rider for the last two seasons will transition to a new role as Yamaha’s official test rider.
The Spaniard’s two-year stint in MotoGP proved tough. His rookie season in 2023 showed promise, however, in 2024 he fell way short of expectations. Overshadowed by his Tech3 teammate and premier class rookie Pedro Acosta, Fernandez managed just 27 points, with his best result being a 7th-place finish in the Jerez Sprint.
“The last season has not been easy. Perhaps the bike wasn’t suited to my style, but I tried to adapt. I worked hard at home, but it just didn’t come together. Of course, it’s frustrating and I’m angry, but life goes on. My career isn’t over; it’s just taking a different path.”
Ahead of the 2025 season, Fernandez is set for a new adventure in the Yamaha testing team. Speaking from the Barcelona pit lane, where he observed the test in Yamaha colors, the Spaniard shared his optimism.
“I’m very happy. As I’ve been saying for a while, it was close to being finalized, and now it’s done. I’ll be riding for Yamaha, and I’m super excited about the project. Today, I’m just listening and getting to know the team.”
Fernandez’s role includes participating in all six of Yamaha’s wildcard entries for 2025. “I’ll be doing all the wildcards possible,” he confirmed. “They have six, so I’ll race all six. It’s different and challenging, but I’m ready for this new project.”
However, as Yamaha prioritizes integrating the new Pramac customer team ahead of the team’s first season as Yamaha affiliates, the exact timeline for his first test aboard the YZR-M1 remains uncertain.
“It’s hard to say when my first test will be because Yamaha has a lot of work with Pramac,” Fernandez admitted. “We’re aiming for December, but it’s not confirmed yet. We’re trying our best to make it happen before the end of the year.”
Fernandez will work alongside seasoned test riders Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso. “Cal and Dovi have so much knowledge; it’s great to be with them. I’m looking forward to learn from their feedback and ride in a more relaxed environment compared to race weekends.”
Although out of a MotoGP seat at the moment, the Spaniard remains focused on a potential full-time return to the premier class. “We’re not used to seeing test riders make a comeback, but I want to prove it’s possible. I’m satisfied with this opportunity, but my ultimate goal is to show that I can still compete. My career isn’t over.”
