Davide Tardozzi pushes back against Liberty Media’s reserve rider idea for MotoGP
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images 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 Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images 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.