Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez will again deputise for the injured Miguel Oliveira at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix as the Pramac Racing Yamaha rider continues to recover from the shoulder injuries he sustained in Argentina last month.
Oliveira, who spoke to the media at the Qatar GP last time out, admitted that he wasn't sure if he'd be fully ready to return to action in time for this weekend's Jerez race as he continues to repair the extensive ligament damage to his left shoulder and recovers from the subsequent issues arising from being forced to spend three weeks with his arm completely immobile.
Yamaha test rider Fernandez has not only already twice stood in for Oliveira but was also already set to appear at this weekend's race as a wildcard with the factory's test team, so it comes as no surprise that satellite squad Pramac confirmed on Tuesday his appearance.
That in turn should have the added benefit of giving Yamaha another opportunity to field the 2022 Moto2 champion later in the year, putting him very much on track to feature in nearly half of this season's rounds as he looks to find a way back into MotoGP in the future.
Fernandez won't be the only injury replacement on the grid, either, as Lorenzo Savadori once again returns to action in factory Aprilia colours in place of reigning world champion Jorge Martin.
Suffering severe chest injuries in his fall at Lusail, Martin remains in Qatar as he recovers from 11 rib fractures and a collapsed lung.
He was finally discharged from hospital earlier this week but the complications of his injuries means that it may yet be some time before he is able to be medically repatriated back to his home in Andorra.
