Yamaha’s lone full‑time MotoGP test rider, Augusto Fernandez, entered the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix as a wildcard and immediately found the transition back to the 1,000 cc YZR‑M1 demanding. After a month without race mileage, his schedule was filled with 850 cc development work, including a recent test at Brno, leaving the 1,000 cc tyres and electronics feeling unfamiliar.
Since the end of 2024, Fernandez has shouldered the dual task of refining the struggling 1,000 cc machine while also shaping the 850 cc bike that will debut under the 2027 regulations. He described the Assen weekend as “tough”, noting that no clear setup solution emerged and that the race distance highlighted the stark contrast between the two engine classes.
Looking ahead, Fernandez plans another 850 cc test at Jerez in July and is weighing a possible wildcard appearance at Silverstone, with a substitute slot in Sepang or Indonesia also on the radar. He emphasized that improving the 1,000 cc bike remains a priority because it serves as the development base for the upcoming 2027 package, underscoring the logistical strain of a one‑rider test program.
