MotoGP has changed significantly in recent years, with increasing amounts of technology being integrated into the bikes. Consequently, the requirements for riding have evolved, and even with prior experience, some test riders are becoming outdated because they have never competed with bikes at the current level.
This is the case with Stefan Bradl, who, despite being Honda’s test rider for several years, does not master the riding skills as well as a rider with recent competition experience. After announcing his retirement from full-time racing, Aleix Espargaró has been rumored to take on these test rider functions for the Japanese manufacturer.
The former rider Luca Cadalora commented to GPOne.com that, given that the current bikes are radically different from those of the past, teams need test riders with recent experience and knowledge:
– More than just a test rider, you need people with clear ideas. These MotoGP bikes do not follow the working criteria of the past; they are different machines. The combination of aerodynamics, electronics, and height adjustment devices creates a situation that is unfamiliar to them. They need someone who has this experience.