Yamaha confirms fifth MotoGP rider for Catalunya
Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez returns as a wildcard for this weekend's MotoGP of Catalunya.
Fresh from the Yamaha V4’s best-yet MotoGP result, in the hands of Fabio Quartararo at Le Mans, a fifth machine will be back on the grid for this weekend’s Catalunya round.
Factory test rider Augusto Fernandez will be making his second wildcard appearance of the season at Barcelona.
The Spaniard will be seeking his first points of the season after qualifying as the top Yamaha rider in 16th at a wet Jerez.
However, Fernandez failed to score in the races, reaching the chequered flag in 20th after losing his rear brake following early contact with Jack Miller in the grand prix.
As at Jerez, this weekend’s event is followed by an official post-race test.
"I'm excited to go racing, and again in Spain,” Fernandez said. “Barcelona is a track that I like, so I'm looking forward to having a good weekend and continuing with our bike development programme."
Quartararo qualified sixth, then finished fifth (Sprint) and sixth (Grand Prix) in his home Le Mans races.
Before Sunday’s result, Fernandez’s 14th as a wildcard at last year’s Misano round remained the V4’s best grand prix finish, albeit matched by the full-time riders at Buriram, Brazil and COTA this year.
Yamaha’s concession status means the factory is allowed six wildcard entries, with a maximum of three before the summer break and three after.
Wildcards will no longer be allowed in MotoGP from 2027.
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