MotoGP: Miguel Oliveira to be replaced by Augusto Fernandez at COTA due to shoulder injury
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Fermin Aldeguer goes down in Argentina and takes Miguel Oliveira with him. -
Augusto Fernandez talks to Andrea Dovizioso during a Yamaha test session.
Miguel Oliveira has been ruled out of the Grand Prix of the Americas next weekend due to the shoulder injuries sustained in Argentina.
The Prima Pramac Yamaha rider was taken out by Fermin Aldeguer during the Sprint race, and damaged his left sternoclavicular joint as a result. Augusto Fernandez, who joined Yamaha as a test rider at the end of 2024, will replace Oliveira at COTA.
“First of all, I want to thank the team and the doctors who treated me,” Oliveira said. “After returning home, I had an MRI that detected a dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint with ligament rupture.
“Obviously, we discussed the fastest recovery options, and it was decided to keep the arm immobilised for some time. “The time of return is unpredictable because we have to await my body’s biological response. We will evaluate every week how the situation is.
“We are working on returning to the track as soon as possible, but above that we will focus on my recovery and getting back to 100% fitness.”
It’s a quick return to the MotoGP grid for Fernandez, who lost his Tech3 KTM seat after a difficult 2024 campaign alongside rookie sensation Pedro Acosta. Fernandez is already due to make six wildcard appearances this season, beginning with Jerez in April.
Fernandez has tested the M1 multiple times during the winter, but will now race the bike sooner than expected.
“First of all, I want to send Miguel my best wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope he can be back soon,” Fernandez said.
“I also want to thank Yamaha and Pramac for this opportunity. Austin is an awesome track, and I can’t wait to be back riding the M1. I am really looking forward to starting the race weekend.”
Fernandez finished 14th in last year’s Grand Prix at COTA, but did secure a top 10 finish (10th) n his maiden outing at the Texan circuit onboard the KTM RC16 in 2023.
Prior to Oliveira’s injury, Fernandez had been pencilled in to replace Jonathan Rea in Portimao next weekend. Rea is recovering surgery on his injured left foot, and will now be replaced by former Bennetts British Superbike Championship rider Jason O’Halloran.
