It is no longer a MotoGP secret that manufacturers in the premier class attach great importance to completing wildcards. Some of the drivers who end their active careers as regular drivers work as test or development drivers. The collaboration with the factories is not done out of pure good nature, but for a specific reason: the teams are looking for top-class drivers for their MotoGP test program. In return, the manufacturers like to lure customers with wildcards that are held in the premier class. Motorsport-Magazin.com explains in this article exactly how such a MotoGP wildcard works and what benefits it has.
Basically, a wildcard is simply the opportunity for a guest starter to take part in an event in the premier class. This participant completes the entire MotoGP weekend and takes part in all official sessions. He has the same rights and obligations as all other drivers on and off the track. This means that a wildcard driver can also use his chance to achieve a top result and even a win. What sounds like an adventurous story has actually happened. But more on that later.
Who can start as a wildcard rider in MotoGP?
In principle, each manufacturer can decide for itself how to allocate wildcard places. The only requirement is that the pilots have the relevant racing license in order to be able to take part in MotoGP events.
According to the current concession regulations, which have been in force since the 2024 season, the manufacturers have the right to a certain number of wildcards, which they can distribute freely in the MotoGP calendar. At the moment, the distribution according to groups A to D is as follows: Ducati is currently the only manufacturer not allowed to use wildcards, as they are in the highest group A. In the B segment, the manufacturers are allowed to field three guest starters. However, none of the five MotoGP factories are currently in rank B. Groups C and D have the option of six wildcard tickets. As a result, KTM, Aprilia, Honda and Yamaha each have six additional options for using their MotoGP machines with one of the test or development riders.
How are wildcard riders classified in MotoGP?
As already mentioned, wildcards are counted as normal participants in a MotoGP event. The rider therefore has the same opportunities to qualify for pole position, to gain points or to finish on the podium. In the riders’ ranking, the points go to the respective rider. If two or more development riders are used per season, both are counted separately in the world championship.
In the team ranking, the points earned are counted separately. For example, the KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa was unable to score any points for the Mattighofen factory team in the team ranking. The situation is different in the manufacturer ranking. The best bike from each manufacturer is counted there. If the wildcard rider finishes a race as the best-placed rider from his factory, he collects the corresponding points for the constructor ranking.
Who will start as a wildcard rider for the MotoGP manufacturers in 2024?
Ducati has employed Michele Pirro as a test rider for several years. However, since the team from Borgo Panigale does not have any wildcards available due to the concessions rules, they are not allowed to use an additional bike in the current concessions window.
KTM currently has several riders under contract for the development of the RC16. In addition to Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, the pool of potential wildcard riders also includes Jonas Folger. However, it is unclear whether the German will race in 2024. Pedrosa and Espargaro have already made guest starts this year. The former was allowed to sit on the bench at the fourth race of the season in Jerez. Espargaro was used at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello a few weeks ago.
Aprilia relies on the services of Lorenzo Savadori. In 2024, he also competed in the Spanish Grand Prix in Andalusia. Further wildcard dates for the Italian have not yet been announced. Yamaha and Honda also have several riders in their wildcard line-up, as they allow both Japanese and European test pilots to compete.
Stefan Bradl for Honda and Cal Crutchlow for Yamaha are part of their factory’s European test teams and are therefore mostly guest starters at European races. Bradl has already competed in the Spanish Grands Prix in Jerez and Barcelona. His former MotoGP colleague Crutchlow had to cancel an appearance in Mugello due to injury. He will be there in Silverstone and Misano.
What is the use of a wildcard in MotoGP?
Basically, a wildcard offers the MotoGP manufacturers the perfect opportunity to try out new components, changed setups or other things in the race without the regular riders having to risk losing valuable points. The test and development riders can offer their brand colleagues important support and collect additional data for the engineers. Here, too, Dani Pedrosa is a wonderful example: The 38-year-old was able to underline the competitiveness of the tested carbon chassis at KTM in Misano 2023. In the races on the Adriatic coast, he sensationally achieved two fourth places.
Wildcard riders have often caused big surprises. This year, Pedrosa was able to take a podium as a guest starter in the MotoGP sprint in Jerez. But the ‘little samurai’ is not alone in his podium finish as a non-regular rider. Here you can find out who the most successful wildcard riders in MotoGP history are!