Yamaha test programme: Fernandez is working hard for the M1’s comeback in 2027

Following races at Jerez, Barcelona and Assen, Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez also competed at the final event at Silverstone on a wildcard. Yamaha is permitted a total of six appearances. In a GP race marked by numerous retirements, the fifth Yamaha finished in 16th place – Fernandez crossed the line directly behind rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu, who, according to Fernandez, sets the benchmark in terms of speed: “I was happy with the race. In the end, I managed to close the gap on Toprak. It’s good for me to be so close to another Yamaha.”

Fernandez’s performance is even more impressive when you consider his actual task – testing. The Spaniard finished all eight races, thereby securing full points in terms of data collection. What, from the outside, looks like routine test sessions at race pace is of the utmost importance to Yamaha.

The background to this is the generational change in the powertrain at the once-successful Japanese manufacturer. At the end of 2025, the inline-four-cylinder concept was scrapped. Fernandez had already made his debut on the completely new V4-M1, also on a wildcard, in late summer. The advantage of this approach under technical director Max Bartolini is that Yamaha has, in fact, been testing the 2027 technology for almost a year now.

Yamaha-Technik-Boss Max Bartolini mit Sportchef Paolo Pavesio

Foto: Gold and Goose

There is no advantage without a downside – since the shift to a full focus on the new 850cc era, development of the 1000cc MotoGP Yamaha has virtually ground to a halt. Development is only being driven forward in those areas that are also relevant to the new 850cc bike. It is no secret that Yamaha is prioritising the development of the 2027 Yamaha over its sporting ambitions for 2026.

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The result today appears disastrous: in the Constructors’ Championship, they have been left hopelessly behind. Just a year ago, also sitting in fifth place, Yamaha had already racked up sixty more World Championship points by the summer break. Yamaha’s best rider at present is Fabio Quartararo in 14th place, with the other riders following in 19th (Miller), 20th (Rins) and 21st (Razgatlioglu).

Yamaha: Lagging behind with the 1000cc – leading with the 850cc?

Back to the supposed advantage. As things stand, no other manufacturer is likely to be further ahead with the 850. There is much to suggest that the 1000cc bike, most recently ridden by Augusto Fernández, is considerably closer to the 2027 M1 with reduced displacement than to the prototype – the basic design of which has remained unchanged for months – ridden by the four regular riders.

One thing is certain: the Yamaha team, led by former Ducati engineer Bartolini, has much more to offer than the current results suggest. Yamaha has no choice but to pin its hopes on the new regulations. With the project having started early and two new riders currently sitting in first and third place in the World Championship, the aim is to be back at the top next season. We’ll get some initial answers at the Valencia test on 1 December, when Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura take to the track for the first time on the 850cc M1.

What is already certain, however, is that Augusto Fernández’s role will change. From 2027, wildcard riders will no longer be permitted to compete. The Moto2 World Champion will then only be able to compete against the field as a reserve rider.