{"id":1896663,"date":"2026-04-22T10:59:57","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:59:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896663"},"modified":"2026-04-22T10:59:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:59:57","slug":"yamaha-fields-fifth-motogp-bike-at-jerez-with-wild-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896663","title":{"rendered":"Yamaha fields fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez with wild-card"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Yamaha fields fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez with wild-card<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Yamaha to run a fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez with a wild-card appearance for factory test rider Augusto Fernandez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-22T13:10:44+00:00\">Updated: 22 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Augusto Fernandez, Yamaha Test Rider.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Augusto Fernandez will put a fifth Yamaha V4 machine on the grid at this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP, after being confirmed as a wild-card entry.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard, who finished 16th as a replacement for Miguel Oliveira at last year\u2019s event on the previous Inline Yamaha, will make his first race appearance of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Fernandez\u2019s outing is focused on \u201cdata gathering for bike development\u201d, following a difficult COTA weekend where all four Yamaha race riders finished at the back of the field, between 25 and 38 seconds from victory.<\/p>\n<p>With pressure mounting for technical progress, Jerez is a crucial round, with an official MotoGP test scheduled for Monday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am very excited about my first wild-card of the season and especially since it&#8217;s in Jerez,\u201d Augusto Fernandez said.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s been a long winter for me with not a lot of kms on the MotoGP bike. I can&#8217;t wait to be back this weekend.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Fernandez debuted Yamaha\u2019s V4 last season, achieving a best result of 14th during three wild-card appearances.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0aa152d370036b6bf3dc140e8ba0c34cff6fa07a28e3f4b6cb6e49753e45aa00\">  Fabio Quartararo: \u201cGood memories\u201d at Jerez, but how will the V4 perform?   Jack Miller\u2019s collarbone \u201clike a zigzag\u201d from past MotoGP injuries <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That result has been matched, but not improved upon, by Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins so far this year, although Quartararo also took sixth place in the Goiania Sprint.<\/p>\n<p>While Jerez\u2019s tighter layout will reduce the impact of Yamaha\u2019s top speed deficit, riders have warned the bike is also lacking in other areas such as turning and rear grip.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its D concession status, Yamaha is the only manufacturer permitted to modify its engine design during the season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-34a0d2fd90f5e7e4c039d5d3e6afdc2d5d59ee52926058f1555485774dccc700\">  Alex Rins reveals ongoing injury struggles from serious 2023 MotoGP crash   Toprak: Jerez MotoGP needs \u201ccompletely different riding style\u201d to Superbike <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The following round at Le Mans has been tipped for the factory\u2019s first 2026 engine upgrade.<\/p>\n<p>That raises the possibility of Fernandez running a revised powerplant at Jerez, before the race riders evaluate it during Monday\u2019s test.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will also make his first wild-card of the year at Jerez.<\/p>\n<p>KTM test rider Pol Espargaro is unable to replace Maverick Vinales at Tech3 due to a hand injury, while brother and Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro &#8211; who raced as a Jerez wild-card last season &#8211; is recovering from back surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati&#8217;s A concession status means they are unable to run any wild-cards.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Augusto Fernandez<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Yamaha<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Marc Marquez \u201cmade the most\u201d of MotoGP break: \u201cI can&#8217;t wait\u2026\u201d<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1300637_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Fabio Quartararo: \u201cGood memories\u201d at Jerez, but how will the V4 perform?<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1225038_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-103df58a0c2b94a11dc36b1e9ab107159b372db1f3083dede3ab570de1a6838a\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-b664181a5f528b0d7946e8e8449905b0510ab1247d7cf660f2070142d6a656a6\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jorge Lorenzo: \u201cHonda and Yamaha always come back\u201d despite MotoGP struggles<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776330776\"> 16\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299932_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Alex Rins, Diogo Moreira, 2026 Brazilian MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP 2027 trade board: How the grid is shaping up, and who could miss out<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776081600\"> 13\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304135_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 MotoGP US GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Yamaha set to deliver latest 2027 MotoGP rider market shock amid Ai Ogura reports<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775915449\"> 11\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-09\/gng_1261926_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Ai Ogura, Trackhouse Racing, 2025 San Marino MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cTime will tell\u201d if \u201ccourageous\u201d Yamaha V4 strategy was right<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775901600\"> 11\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304005_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Quartararo, Razgatlioglu, Miller, Rins, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775746086\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/ducati.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"New Ducati rear aero and leg wings, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Quartararo praises Toprak Razgatlioglu\u2019s COTA performance: \u201cLike Superbike\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775738406\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Razgatlioglu, Quartararo, Miller, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Yamaha to run a fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez with a wild-card appearance for factory test rider Augusto Fernandez.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Augusto Fernandez will put a fifth Yamaha V4 machine on the grid at this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP, after being confirmed as a wild-card entry.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard, who finished 16th as a replacement for Miguel Oliveira at last year\u2019s event on the previous Inline Yamaha, will make his first race appearance of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Fernandez\u2019s outing is focused on \u201cdata gathering for bike development\u201d, following a difficult COTA weekend where all four Yamaha race riders finished at the back of the field, between 25 and 38 seconds from victory.<\/p>\n<p>With pressure mounting for technical progress, Jerez is a crucial round, with an official MotoGP test scheduled for Monday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am very excited about my first wild-card of the season and especially since it&#8217;s in Jerez,\u201d Augusto Fernandez said.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s been a long winter for me with not a lot of kms on the MotoGP bike. I can&#8217;t wait to be back this weekend.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Fernandez debuted Yamaha\u2019s V4 last season, achieving a best result of 14th during three wild-card appearances.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0aa152d370036b6bf3dc140e8ba0c34cff6fa07a28e3f4b6cb6e49753e45aa00\">  Fabio Quartararo: \u201cGood memories\u201d at Jerez, but how will the V4 perform?   Jack Miller\u2019s collarbone \u201clike a zigzag\u201d from past MotoGP injuries <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That result has been matched, but not improved upon, by Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins so far this year, although Quartararo also took sixth place in the Goiania Sprint.<\/p>\n<p>While Jerez\u2019s tighter layout will reduce the impact of Yamaha\u2019s top speed deficit, riders have warned the bike is also lacking in other areas such as turning and rear grip.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its D concession status, Yamaha is the only manufacturer permitted to modify its engine design during the season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-34a0d2fd90f5e7e4c039d5d3e6afdc2d5d59ee52926058f1555485774dccc700\">  Alex Rins reveals ongoing injury struggles from serious 2023 MotoGP crash   Toprak: Jerez MotoGP needs \u201ccompletely different riding style\u201d to Superbike <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The following round at Le Mans has been tipped for the factory\u2019s first 2026 engine upgrade.<\/p>\n<p>That raises the possibility of Fernandez running a revised powerplant at Jerez, before the race riders evaluate it during Monday\u2019s test.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will also make his first wild-card of the year at Jerez.<\/p>\n<p>KTM test rider Pol Espargaro is unable to replace Maverick Vinales at Tech3 due to a hand injury, while brother and Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro &#8211; who raced as a Jerez wild-card last season &#8211; is recovering from back surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati&#8217;s A concession status means they are unable to run any wild-cards.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Augusto Fernandez will put a fifth Yamaha V4 machine on the grid at this weekend\u2019s Spanish MotoGP, after being confirmed as a wild-card entry.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard, who finished 16th as a replacement for Miguel Oliveira at last year\u2019s event on the previous Inline Yamaha, will make his first race appearance of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n<p>Fernandez\u2019s outing is focused on \u201cdata gathering for bike development\u201d, following a difficult COTA weekend where all four Yamaha race riders finished at the back of the field, between 25 and 38 seconds from victory.<\/p>\n<p>With pressure mounting for technical progress, Jerez is a crucial round, with an official MotoGP test scheduled for Monday.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am very excited about my first wild-card of the season and especially since it&#8217;s in Jerez,\u201d Augusto Fernandez said.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s been a long winter for me with not a lot of kms on the MotoGP bike. I can&#8217;t wait to be back this weekend.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Fernandez debuted Yamaha\u2019s V4 last season, achieving a best result of 14th during three wild-card appearances.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-0aa152d370036b6bf3dc140e8ba0c34cff6fa07a28e3f4b6cb6e49753e45aa00\">  Fabio Quartararo: \u201cGood memories\u201d at Jerez, but how will the V4 perform?   Jack Miller\u2019s collarbone \u201clike a zigzag\u201d from past MotoGP injuries <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>That result has been matched, but not improved upon, by Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins so far this year, although Quartararo also took sixth place in the Goiania Sprint.<\/p>\n<p>While Jerez\u2019s tighter layout will reduce the impact of Yamaha\u2019s top speed deficit, riders have warned the bike is also lacking in other areas such as turning and rear grip.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to its D concession status, Yamaha is the only manufacturer permitted to modify its engine design during the season.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-34a0d2fd90f5e7e4c039d5d3e6afdc2d5d59ee52926058f1555485774dccc700\">  Alex Rins reveals ongoing injury struggles from serious 2023 MotoGP crash   Toprak: Jerez MotoGP needs \u201ccompletely different riding style\u201d to Superbike <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The following round at Le Mans has been tipped for the factory\u2019s first 2026 engine upgrade.<\/p>\n<p>That raises the possibility of Fernandez running a revised powerplant at Jerez, before the race riders evaluate it during Monday\u2019s test.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori will also make his first wild-card of the year at Jerez.<\/p>\n<p>KTM test rider Pol Espargaro is unable to replace Maverick Vinales at Tech3 due to a hand injury, while brother and Honda test rider Aleix Espargaro &#8211; who raced as a Jerez wild-card last season &#8211; is recovering from back surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Ducati&#8217;s A concession status means they are unable to run any wild-cards.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1093278\/1\/yamaha-fields-fifth-motogp-bike-jerez-wild-card&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1289096_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Yamaha fields fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez with wild-card Yamaha to run a fifth MotoGP bike at Jerez with a wild-card appearance for factory test rider Augusto Fernandez. Peter McLaren Updated: 22 Apr 2026 Share Augusto Fernandez, Yamaha Test Rider. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source Augusto Fernandez will put [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1896663","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1896663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896663\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1896663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1896663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1896663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}