The new paradigm of MotoGP test riders and teams

For several years now, the paradigm of MotoGP riders and teams has undergone a significant change.. Factories took the development of their prototypes more seriously and began to invest in high-level test drivers to improve their competitiveness. A recent and notable example is the signing Aleix Espargaró of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as a test driverwith the goal of building the Honda RC213V and removing the golden wing manufacturer’s prototype from the well.

Aleix Espargaró, racing for the official Aprilia team, will retire at the end of this campaign and join HRC to collaborate with the German Stefan Bradl in the development of Honda. ‘Il Capitano’ has extensive experience building prototypes in MotoGP, who previously worked with Suzuki and Aprilia and led both manufacturers in victories in the queen category.

In MotoGP, each factory has a team of test riders dedicated to the development of their motorcycles.. Aleix Espargaró and Stefan Bradl will have Hondas. Yamaha has Cal Crutchlow. Ducati has Michele Pirro. In addition, it has the support of the eight motorcycles it has on track at each Grand Prix. Aprilia has Italian Lorenzo Savadori and KTM chose Dani Pedrosa, Pol Espargaró, Mika Kallio and Jonas Folger.

KTM, the model to follow

A An interesting case is that of KTMwhose method of work was recently explained by Pol Espargaro on the ‘Motorsport’ podcast. According to Granollers, He and Dani Pedrosa follow different paths in the development of the KTM RC16. One focuses on improve the current package factory riders use, while others focus on build motorcycles for the coming years.

Pol mentioned They often mix development programs, because some improvements intended for the future may be useful in the present and vice versa. Pol also admitted that he is currently more focused on developing the current motorcycle, while Pedrosa is working more on the future.

This work method seems to have caught HRC’s attention, who with the signing of Aleix Espargaró will try to replicate KTM’s strategy. Espargaró’s experience in building winning bikes could be crucial for Honda as it seeks to regain its competitiveness in MotoGP. Besides, Having fast pilots as testers is essential to get the most out of the results. wildcard and the opportunities to test new improvements in competition.

The trend of MotoGP factories investing in high-level test riders reflects a paradigm shift in prototype development method. Previously, test pilots were usually retired pilots or those with less competition experience. however, Today, factories choose active or recently retired pilots with experience and speedwhich allows them to get comment more accurate and related to their motorcycles.

Thus, the role of test riders has been crucial in the development of MotoGP bikes. Their work not only involves testing and developing new parts and adjustments, but also provides valuable information to the engineering teams to continuously improve the bike.. This close collaboration between riders, testers and engineers is essential to maintain competitiveness in a category as demanding as MotoGP.

The signing of Aleix Espargaró to HRC is a strategic move that could have a major impact on the development of the Honda RC213V. With your experience and skills, ‘Il Capitano’ can provide the comment necessary for Honda to once again fight for victories and championships. Additionally, his work alongside Stefan Bradl will allow the HRC to have a broader and more diverse perspective on areas that need improvement..