Yamaha is currently in discussions with Augusto Fernandez, a former rider from Tech3, to potentially include him in an expanded MotoGP test team for 2025, as reported by Motosport.com.
The Japanese manufacturer is accelerating the development of its MotoGP bike to close the gap with European competitors, particularly Ducati, which is steadily gaining an advantage over other teams.
Initially, they hired numerous engineers and technicians from the Borgo Panigale brand and secured a multi-year deal with 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo that extends to 2026.
With the addition of Pramac as a satellite team from 2025, allowing them to field four bikes on the grid, Yamaha is now focusing on enhancing its test team, which has faced challenges this year due to Cal Crutchlow’s injury.
The British rider has been sidelined for an extended period due to pain in his hand, which required surgical intervention, restricting Yamaha’s ability to fully utilize MotoGP’s new concession system.
Crutchlow also missed his home grand prix last week, where he was slated to participate as a wildcard, further hampering Yamaha’s ambitions.
This situation has led the manufacturer to seek a second rider for the test team who can collaborate with veteran Crutchlow next year.
“We aim to enhance the test team by signing a rider, preferably a young talent who is eager for extensive track time to make the most of the testing opportunities provided by the concessions,” stated Maio Meregalli, Yamaha’s sporting director, to Motorsport.com at Silverstone.
“This does not mean Crutchlow will not be involved; he will continue to be part of the team and will return once he recovers.”
Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Yamaha’s prime candidate is believed to be the young Remy Gardner, who races for the Iwata-based company in the World Superbike Championship and recently took over Crutchlow’s wildcard spot at the British GP.
He filled in for full-time racer Alex Rins, who had to withdraw from the event due to ongoing injuries from his crash in the Dutch GP in late June.
However, Gardner is not particularly inclined to take on a full-time test rider position, though Yamaha is open to further discussions with him to potentially persuade him to fulfill that role.
As a final decision regarding Gardner is awaited, Yamaha has disclosed that it is also in talks with 2022 Moto2 champion Fernandez, who is currently in his second season with the GasGas-branded Tech3 team in MotoGP.
Since he has not been retained by the broader KTM group, the Spaniard finds himself without a seat on the 2025 grid, with limited opportunities in WSBK as well.
Yamaha is understood to have offered him a chance to stay in the MotoGP paddock next year as a test rider, which could include five to six wildcard appearances depending on Crutchlow’s recovery.
Fernandez, 26, acknowledged that he is in discussions with Yamaha regarding a testing role for 2025.
“We are in talks with them. If no opportunities arise in this paddock or in SBK, which seems unlikely, it could be a good exit for me,” he told Motorsport.com. “I’m constantly seeking opportunities to develop as a rider and eventually return to a full-time team.”
