P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Here’s your guide to the test riders used by the five MotoGP manufacturers, and the extent of their responsibilities
In recent years, MotoGP has reduced collective full-grid testing, making test riders crucial for development, as regular race riders struggle to conduct comprehensive test work during race weekends. Testers, usually former premier-class race riders, work mainly in private sessions away from the public eye, but they can also step in for injured riders or participate as wildcard entries to facilitate more development work. Each of MotoGP’s five factories has designated test riders, with Ducati’s Michele Pirro playing a significant role in development despite fewer race opportunities due to Ducati’s ‘Rank A’ status. Renowned veteran Dani Pedrosa is considered one of KTM’s most valuable assets and is transitioning into a more managerial role, similar to his predecessor Mika Kallio. Alongside Pedrosa, KTM has Pol Espargaro and Jonas Folger as test riders, with the latter making a MotoGP return after health issues halted his full-time premier-class career in 2017. Lorenzo Savadori, a former World Superbike regular, is a respected test rider for Aprilia, contributing to the competitiveness of the RS-GP bike and getting wildcard and stand-in opportunities. While sharing the role with Savadori in the past, Matteo Baiocco is now an essential part of Aprilia’s programme as a rider coach and analyst, impressing team veteran Aleix Espargaro. Cal Crutchlow recently reunited with Yamaha as a test rider, further highlighting the crucial role of test riders in MotoGP’s development process.
