Ruben Fernandez could be set for a change of manufacturer ahead of the 2027 MXGP World Championship season, with the Spanish rider expected to make the move from HRC Honda to the factory Yamaha team.
Fernandez has been part of the Honda family since the 2021 season, when he competed in MX2 with 114 Motorsports Honda. After ending his MX2 World Championship career with the team, the Spaniard made the step up to the MXGP World Championship with 114 Motorsports Honda for the 2022 season.
From the 2023 season onwards, Fernandez became a full factory HRC Honda rider and has now spent four seasons competing for the Japanese manufacturer at the highest level.
However, that relationship looks set to be coming to an end after the 2026 season, as we understand Fernandez is expected to make the switch to the factory Yamaha team for 2027.
Yamaha have been looking looking for a rider to replace Maxime Renaux, with the Frenchman expected to make the move to de Carli KTM for the 2027 season. With that seat potentially becoming available, Fernandez appears to be the rider Yamaha have identified to fill the gap.
Should the deal go ahead, Fernandez would once again become team-mates with Tim Gajser. The pair know each other well from their time together at HRC Honda, where they competed alongside one another at factory level.
Meanwhile, at HRC Honda, they are expected to run two MXGP riders – Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle whilst also running two MX2 GP riders. This year the full focus was on Valerio Lata in MX2 but that is set to change for the 2027 season with two new signings expected.
At just 27 years old, Fernandez will feel that his best years are still ahead of him. A move to a new manufacturer and a fresh environment could provide the Spaniard with the opportunity to unlock his full potential in the MXGP class.
For now, the move remains unconfirmed, but all indications are that Fernandez could be heading for a new challenge with factory Yamaha in 2027.
We will bring you further updates on the situation as and when they develop.
