Augusto Fernandez will join the Marc VDS Moto2 squad to replace the MotoGP-bound Alex Marquez for 2020, jumping ship from the Pons team.
Fernandez won three races on his way to fifth in the riders standings in an impressive first full intermediate class campaign-at one point becoming eventual champion Marquez’s closest challenger despite missing two races through injury-and was expected to remain with his Pons team for next year.
Marquez was unveiled as Jorge Lorenzo’s Honda replacement at Valencia last week though, leaving Marc VDS with a dilemma as to who they could place alongside Sam Lowes-the Belgian outfit ultimately plumping for the Spaniard.
"I'm really happy for the opportunity that Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS has given me to become part of their big family,” said Fernandez.
“It is a dream come true to continue growing in a great team like this. My objective is to give the maximum and to work very hard to fight for victories and have the opportunity to fight for the World Championship.
“I want to thank Marc van der Straten, the team and the sponsors who have shown great faith in me.
“I promise to do everything in my power not to disappoint them and to repay their confidence with good results".
Marc VDS team owner Marc van der Straten was equally thrilled to welcome the 22-year old into his multi-title winning squad.
"I'm very happy to announce the addition of Augusto Fernández to our team. This year he has proven to be one of the best riders on track,” said van der Straten.
“He has been able to fight and win against more experienced riders. We are convinced of his talent and possibilities to continue fighting for the front positions.
“With his arrival, we complete a fantastic Moto2 team for 2020 with which we will continue dreaming and, above all, enjoying ourselves".
Mattia Pasini is the favourite to take over the second Pons seat alongside Lorenzo Baldassarri for next year, the veteran Italian having replaced Fernandez for the two races he was forced to miss- the Argentina and United States contests- this year due to injury.
