Axed KTM Rider Set to Join Yamaha in Test Role

August Fernandez has confirmed he is very likely to join Yamaha as an official test rider in 2025.

Fernandez, along with Jack Miller, has been moved aside by KTM in favour of Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales, but Miller found a home with the new Pramac Yamaha team.

For Fernandez, the 2022 Moto2 world champion has taken a step back in 2024 compared to his rookie season so it’s no surprise to see KTM move on for more established riders.

The Spaniard, out of a full-time ride with every seat confirmed for 2025, will now joining Yamaha as part of its new test rider line-up.

Speaking at Sepang ahead of this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, Fernandez stated: “I don't know if I can confirm it. We are missing the last piece, but it looks like I'm going to be riding the Yamaha as a test rider.

“As I said, [I’m still] missing the confirmation, but we are very, very, very close to it… I'm gonna be there.”

Fernandez had hoped to make his debut aboard the M1 at the end-of-season test in Valencia, but even without this week’s horrific flooding, it was looking unlikely.

Fernandez said: “We don't know if we are going to race [at Valencia] even, but the Valencia test will be hard. It's something that I've been asking [for] because it's important to jump straight away from the KTM to Yamaha to see the difference.

“But they [Yamaha] have a lot of work also with the Pramac team, so it will be difficult. But before the year ends, I will have a test. Maybe not in Valencia, but another track. And then I’ll be back here very soon.”

Andrea Dovizioso had been linked with the role of test rider but with Fernandez joining the Japanese brand, the chance of that happening appears to be slim.

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