– Augusto Fernandez has switched several times in recent months between the current Yamaha M1 and the new 850cc motorcycle for the 2027 MotoGP season. His main task is to test the new prototype. He shares the work with Andrea Dovizioso.
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In addition, Fernandez has already completed four wildcard entries this season with the 1,000cc V4 motorcycle. Most recently, he participated in the race weekend at Silverstone.
Shortly before Silverstone, Yamaha conducted private test rides with the 850cc motorcycle in Jerez. The program is currently continuing in Misano. On August 25 and 26, Yamaha shares the racetrack with the Ducati test team.
The new motorcycle is also intended to incorporate insights from the current model. Yamaha switched from an inline four-cylinder to a V4 configuration to gain experience with the new engine concept this year.
“We are building the chassis, we are developing everything and trying to do it differently than this year,” says Fernandez about the new 850cc M1. “As you know, last year’s motorcycle was still somewhat better in terms of chassis and overall.”
“We know that the engine is our weak point, but we also lost a bit of performance in the chassis. That’s why we are trying to bring the overall package back to the previous level in this area.”
And how is the new project going so far? “Yes, we are making small steps forward,” says Fernandez, but also admits: “Of course, it is still a long way until the package is ready for next year. But we are doing good work.”
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When asked if the Spaniard feels that the new motorcycle has more potential than the current one, he answers: “I think so, yes.” The feedback from Fernandez and Dovizioso is said to be similar.
Wildcards with 850cc prototypes are prohibited in the current season. In addition to private test rides, an official test day will take place in September, during which the regular riders are allowed to ride the new motorcycles with Pirelli tires.
This test day will take place on Monday (September 21) after the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg behind closed doors. Since many riders will change teams next year, only a few regular riders will participate.
In the case of Yamaha, it is expected that only Toprak Razgatlioglu will test the new motorcycle. He already rode the 850cc with Pirelli tires during the official Monday test after the race weekend in Brno.
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Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura, the two Yamaha factory riders for 2027, are only allowed to ride the new M1 at the official test day after the season finale in Valencia. At Pramac, Izan Guevara is expected to be Razgatlioglu’s teammate. The signing of Guevara has not yet been officially confirmed.
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