Introduction to the New Era of MotoGP
Since acquiring MotoGP, Liberty Media has been actively implementing strategies inspired by its other major asset, Formula 1. These strategies have led to significant changes in the world of motorcycle racing. The focus has shifted towards creating more engaging experiences for fans and expanding the sport’s global appeal.
One of the most notable changes includes the introduction of new circuits that are increasingly located near city centers. Examples of such locations include Adelaide and Goiania. Additionally, the VIP Village has been expanded to offer a more luxurious experience for fans willing to pay for it. Another key change is the diversification of riders’ nationalities, with the goal of making the spectacle the cornerstone of everything.
The Next Major Change: Permanent Reserve Riders
The next big move in MotoGP, inspired by Formula 1, is the introduction of permanent reserve riders for each team. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by the current race schedule, which includes a fundamental practice session on Friday afternoon, a Saturday sprint race, and the grand prix on Sunday. This demanding schedule has led to an increase in injuries among riders.
Injuries have resulted in prolonged absences, as seen with Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin last year. In such cases, stand-in riders have sometimes been used, but they haven’t always been at the level required to compete effectively in MotoGP.
Manufacturers have long recognized the importance of test riders in developing their prototypes. Notable examples include Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro (KTM), Casey Stoner (Ducati and Honda), Aleix Espargaro (Honda), and Andrea Dovizioso (Yamaha). These roles were less common just over two decades ago.
Now, MotoGP’s promoter wants to take this a step further by seeking agreements with manufacturers to ensure each factory has one or two permanent reserve riders. These riders would travel to all events and be prepared to race if one of the regular riders is unable to do so. The idea is that these substitutes can step in at either the official team or a satellite squad of the manufacturer.
A Recent Example
A recent example that could have been resolved by this new approach was the situation involving Tech3 in Austin when Maverick Vinales withdrew due to a shoulder injury. Espargaro, who was a KTM test rider and fully fit, was in Texas as a TV commentator and could have raced in his place. However, he did not have his race suit, which prevented him from participating.
Reserve Drivers in Formula 1
In Formula 1, while not strictly mandated by regulations, each team is expected to have a reserve driver available if needed. As of 2026, the list of F1 reserve drivers includes Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O’Ward (McLaren), Fred Vesti (Mercedes), Yuki Tsunoda and Ayumu Iwasa (Red Bull and Racing Bulls), Antonio Giovinazzi (Ferrari), Luke Browning (Williams), Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa (Haas), Jak Crawford and Stoffel Vandoorne (Aston Martin), Paul Aron and Kush Maini (Alpine), and Zhou Guanyu (Cadillac). Interestingly, Audi is the only F1 team without a confirmed reserve driver.
Each of these drivers has some F1 experience, as required by the FIA Super Licence system, but most are unlikely to be called upon unless it is an emergency.
Industry Perspectives
Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi acknowledged that MotoGP has proposed the idea of having reserve riders at the grands prix. However, he does not see it happening easily. “I do not think it is viable. At the moment, we have more priority things ahead to deal with,” he said, referring to the economic aspects of the contract between constructors and the promoter. Tardozzi also raised a reflective point: “Do you think there are 11 riders outside of this grid with sufficient level to compete in MotoGP?”
Common sense suggests that the best candidates for such a role would be riders who have recently competed in MotoGP. These include Remy Gardner, Iker Lecuona, Augusto Fernandez, Miguel Oliveira, the Espargaro brothers, Takaaki Nakagami, Danilo Petrucci, and Andrea Dovizioso.
Future Opportunities
This initiative could also provide opportunities for riders who have left MotoGP but have not found a ready alternative for the following season if the plan moves forward. One such rider is Alex Rins, who currently has an uncertain future and no offers on the table. When asked about the matter, Rins expressed that he had not heard of this proposal and was not interested in the role.
“I had not heard this proposal to introduce substitute riders. In fact, I did not even know that it existed in F1,” Rins replied. He added, “As a rider, I have gone to some grand prix knowing that I was not going to race because I was injured. And it was very difficult for me, very much.”
“So, if it ends up being implemented, it can be very hard for the one who has to travel, and must stay with arms crossed all weekend. I would not do it, because it would mean having to be away from home the same days as the regular riders, but knowing that the normal thing is that you do not get on the bike.”
