Augusto Fernandez has signed to join Sam Lowes at the EG00 MarcVDS Moto2 team which leaves the way clear for Johann Zarco to replace Karel Abraham at Avintia Ducati.

Fernandez' signature was announced by the team today after it was revealed that Abraham had split acrimoniously from the Avintias team, citing his retirement from MotoGP.

"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. It is a dream come true to continue growing in a great team like this," said Fernandez.

"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."