Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez may replace the injured Miguel Oliveira at COTA, potentially swapping a planned WorldSBK debut for a MotoGP appearance. Oliveira was involved in an incident with rookie Fermin Aldeguer during the Termas Sprint race, resulting in shoulder injuries that kept him out of last Sunday’s Argentine Grand Prix. Aldeguer, who was given a long lap penalty for the incident, apologized for the crash.
Due to concerns about possible ligament damage to Oliveira’s left shoulder, he returned to Europe early for medical assessments, which will determine if he is fit to race in Texas for round 3 from March 28-30. If Oliveira is unable to race, Fernandez is considered the ‘logical’ replacement.
The former Moto2 world champion, 27, spent two years racing in MotoGP with Tech3 KTM before losing his seat and signing for Yamaha’s test programme – with the clear aim of making a full-time return in future.
