Marco Bezzecchi
Liberty Media are pushing for MotoGP teams to have permanent reserve riders, but Ducati chief Davide Tardozzi does not think it is ‘viable’ for the sport.
Since taking over MotoGP last year, Liberty Media have looked to implement many strategies and gimmicks from Formula 1. This has included adding more nationalities to the grid, as well as street circuits, with Adelaide set to replace Phillip Island from 2027.
Are you concerned that Liberty Media may try to remove MotoGP’s style?
The latest proposal from the American media company is that of reserve riders. They are pushing for teams to have at least two permanent options, as seen in F1.
The need for this stems from constant injuries to full-time riders, who, in some cases, cannot be replaced during race weekends. Fermin Aldeguer’s pre-season injury led to calls for reserve riders, but Tardozzi is not in favour of such a proposal.
Davide Tardozzi does not think reserve riders are ‘viable’ in MotoGP
Many could argue that reserve riders are already a thing in MotoGP, with test riders, many of whom have featured in race weekends, such as the Espargaro brothers at KTM and Honda. Similarly, WSBK star Nicolo Bulega stood in for Marc Marquez at Ducati at the end of 2025.
However, their main responsibility is to test machinery and provide feedback, rather than be available to race. Subsequently, given the multitude of injuries in recent months, Liberty want teams to have permanent reserve riders on standby.
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But Tardozzi does not see this as ‘viable’ for MotoGP, given the financial implications it would mean for the teams. The Ducati chief, speaking to Autosport, also questions the talent available for said roles.
“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.
“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?”
READ MORE: Carlos Ezpeleta insists that MotoGP will not become ‘Formula 1 on two wheels’ under Liberty Media
Alex Rins speaks out against MotoGP reserve riders
Similar to Tardozzi, Yamaha rider Alex Rins has also spoken against reserve riders. He is no stranger to injury and missing races, and he recalled how ‘difficult’ it was to sit on the sidelines.
The Spaniard would not want to go to race weekends knowing that he would not be riding the bike, given the amount of travel, cost and time with family lost: “I had not heard this proposal to introduce substitute riders. In fact, I did not even know that it existed in F1.
“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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