Liberty Media want MotoGP teams to have permanent reserve riders, but Ducati chief Davide Tardozzi doesn’t think the idea is right for the sport.
Since taking control of MotoGP last year, Liberty Media have tried to introduce several Formula 1-inspired changes. That’s included increasing the diversity of riders on the grid and bringing in more street circuits, with Adelaide replacing Phillip Island starting in 2027.
The latest proposal involves each team carrying at least two permanent reserve riders, mirroring what’s already standard practice in F1.
Injuries are common enough that replacements aren’t always available over a race weekend. This was highlighted by Fermin Aldeguer’s pre-season injury this year, which left him sidelined without a substitute option. Even so, Tardozzi has made it clear he’s not behind the plan.
Davide Tardozzi does not think reserve riders are ‘viable’ in MotoGP
Some would say that MotoGP already has a form of reserve riders, with test riders occasionally stepping in. The Espargaro brothers have filled in at KTM and Honda, while Nicolo Bulega covered for Marc Marquez at Ducati late last season.
But these roles are focused on development rather than race preparedness. In response to the rise in injuries, Liberty wants to see teams keep permanent reserves on hand.
Tardozzi doesn’t think this fits the sport’s structure. He raised concerns about both the cost and the available pool of talent, speaking about the issue with Autosport.
“It is true that MotoGP has raised to the manufacturers its desire for teams to have reserve riders at the grands prix. I do not think it is viable,” he said.
“At the moment, we have more priority things ahead to deal with. Do you think there are 11 riders outside of this grid with sufficient level to compete in MotoGP?”
Alex Rins shares concerns about reserve rider proposal
Alex Rins has also voiced his opposition to the idea of permanent reserve riders in MotoGP. Having missed races himself due to injury, he understands how tough it is to be on the sidelines.
Rins mentioned that he wouldn’t be interested in attending race weekends if he knew he wouldn’t be competing, especially considering the travel involved and time away from family. “I had not heard this proposal to introduce substitute riders. In fact, I did not even know that it existed in F1,” he said.
“I, as a rider, 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.”
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