Augusto Fernandez says his MotoGP wildcard appearances have played an important role in Yamaha's preparations for the upcoming 850cc era, even though repeatedly switching between machines and tyres can be confusing for a test rider.
The Silverstone Grand Prix marked Fernandez's final MotoGP wildcard appearance with Yamaha's current 1000cc M1, with the manufacturer now shifting its attention almost entirely towards its 2027 project.
Fernandez has been working as Yamaha's test rider since the end of 2024 after losing his Tech3 KTM race seat. Since then, he has made several wildcard appearances, allowing Yamaha to gather additional data in real race conditions while also giving Fernandez valuable track time.
The Spaniard admitted that the experience can be difficult because he has to regularly switch between the 1000cc M1 and Yamaha's developing 850cc prototype, as well as between Michelin and Pirelli tyres.
"The base of both bikes is the same. We are trying to decide a base for next year's bike, so I've been trying things that we can also use for next year," Fernandez explained.
"Of course, it's confusing, especially for myself, because I struggle to be back on pace immediately switching to the 1000cc bike and Michelin tyres."
Source: The Race
The challenge is particularly noticeable during the opening day of a Grand Prix weekend, when riders have to quickly adapt to the characteristics of the Michelin tyres and the 1000cc machine before getting up to speed.
Despite that difficulty, Fernandez believes the wildcard weekends remain valuable to Yamaha's development programme.
At Silverstone, he finished 15th in Friday practice before taking 10th in Sunday's Grand Prix after starting 20th. More importantly for Yamaha, the race provided Fernandez with another opportunity to regain his pace in a competitive environment.
"I was half a second from the fastest laps of Fabio and Jack, so these weekends are good for me to get back on pace and be faster for our testing programme," he said.
The additional track time has become particularly important as MotoGP prepares for its major regulation change, with engine capacity dropping from 1000cc to 850cc for the 2027 season.
Yamaha is now entering an intensive phase of development, with Fernandez scheduled for several more 850cc tests before the Austrian Grand Prix. Other MotoGP riders are also expected to gain further experience with the new machinery during the same period.
The timing is especially significant because wildcard appearances will no longer be permitted in MotoGP from 2027. Test riders will only be able to compete in Grands Prix if they are called upon to replace an injured full-time rider.
That means Silverstone represented the end of an important testing tool for Yamaha in race conditions. From next season, Fernandez's work will instead focus on private testing as Yamaha attempts to make the most of the remaining development time before the new regulations arrive.
With the 1000cc wildcard programme now finished, Fernandez is ready to concentrate fully on the next generation of Yamaha machinery.
"We have a good programme now of testing, so let's focus on that. I'm looking forward to it," he said.
