After two difficult years at Tech3, Augusto Fernandez will be the new Yamaha test driver in the future – At the Barcelona test, he got to know his new team
At the finale in Barcelona, Augusto Fernandez’s career as a MotoGP regular driver came to an end for the time being. The Spaniard came to the premier class in 2023 as Moto2 world champion. After initially good consistency, it became increasingly difficult for Fernandez to take the next step.
In his rookie season, he scored 71 championship points. This year, he was overshadowed by his Tech3 teammate Pedro Acosta from the first test onwards. A seventh place in the Jerez sprint, a ninth in the Phillip Island sprint and a tenth place in the Sepang Grand Prix were his best results.
With just 27 championship points, Fernandez remained well below the haul from his rookie year. “It wasn’t meant to be,” the 27-year-old commented on his time at KTM. “This year it was a combination of many things. Maybe the bike wasn’t good for my style.”
“But I tried to adapt to it. I work hard at home to adapt to every bike. But it didn’t work out here. I tried, but I never became competitive.
“Of course it’s frustrating and I’m angry, but life goes on. My career goes on, but not as expected. But it goes on. I have to keep working hard. I’m not finished yet and I’m looking forward to the next chapter. It’s a different career.”
Next year, Fernandez will switch to the Yamaha camp and be the test driver. He was already in the Yamaha box at the Tuesday test in Barcelona and got to know the team and the engineers. He has not yet driven the M1.
Because for Yamaha, the initial focus was on supplying the Pramac team with material and coordinating the workflows. That’s why it’s not yet 100% certain when Fernandez will get his first test.
“It’s difficult to say because they will also be doing a lot for Pramac. My first test is probably in December, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet,” he says. In addition, the plan is for him to contest all wildcards next year.
Like Honda, Yamaha can register six wildcards. The exact plan has not yet been finalized. With his work for Yamaha, Fernandez wants to recommend himself for a full-time comeback. For example, Jack Miller only has a contract for 2025.
“We’re not used to test drivers coming back competitive. But I want to make it happen,” Fernandez sets himself a clear goal. ‘I’m happy with my future. My career is not over. I’m looking forward to what’s to come.’
