Espargaro Backs Permanent MotoGP Reserve Rule

Pol Espargaro believes MotoGP needs a permanent reserve rider system following the replacement rider crisis recently faced by Tech3. The KTM test rider described the concept as increasingly necessary for both the sporting and operational stability of the championship.

Unlike Formula 1, MotoGP currently does not operate with designated permanent reserve riders. In most situations, manufacturers rely on test riders whenever a full-time competitor is injured. However, Tech3’s recent situation has highlighted the weaknesses of the current system.

Tech3 originally planned for Espargaro to replace Maverick Vinales at the Spanish Grand Prix after the Spanish rider underwent shoulder surgery linked to a previous injury. However, Espargaro himself also suffered an injury, leaving Tech3 with only one bike on the grid at Jerez.

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With both Vinales and Espargaro still unavailable for this weekend’s French MotoGP, Tech3 has now called up another KTM test rider, Jonas Folger, who last raced in MotoGP during the 2023 season.

“Personally, I think it’s necessary,” Espargaro said regarding permanent reserve rider regulations.

Espargaro also revealed that new Tech3 owner Guenther Steiner, who comes from a Formula 1 background, questioned how a MotoGP bike could remain unused in the garage during sessions simply because no replacement rider was immediately available.

From both a sporting and commercial perspective, Espargaro believes the situation is far from ideal for teams and the championship itself. However, he also stressed that the physical and technical risks faced by MotoGP replacement riders are considerably greater than in Formula 1 because riders may be required to compete immediately without sufficient adaptation time.

“MotoGP isn’t comparable to Formula 1. The risk a rider takes by jumping on the bike on Saturday to replace an injured rider from Friday is much greater than in a car,” Espargaro explained.

The debate surrounding permanent reserve riders has intensified as Liberty Media continues pushing for a more professional and structured MotoGP environment ahead of the incoming 850cc era in 2027. Other planned regulatory changes, including restrictions on wildcard entries from 2027, are also viewed as part of a broader modernisation strategy.

From a technical standpoint, a permanent reserve rider system could also improve continuity in bike development throughout the season. Riders regularly involved in simulation and testing programmes would likely maintain stronger physical readiness and greater understanding of electronics and tyre behaviour compared to emergency stand-in riders.

“Clearly, an agreement needs to be reached between Liberty, the teams and the riders, but personally I’m willing to take on that role as long as I’m physically fit,” Espargaro added.

The reserve rider discussion is now expected to become one of the key topics shaping MotoGP’s future regulations. With increasingly demanding schedules and rising physical pressure on riders, the need for a formal replacement system is likely to become even more significant in the coming seasons.