Every factory on the grid takes advantage of being allowed three wildcard entries during a season – six for manufacturers who have concessions. It’s an important part of the development process, giving their test riders a chance to try new parts or settings during a Grand Prix weekend.
In order for manufacturers to be granted permission to run a wildcard rider at a Grand Prix, an application must be sent – via IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) – to the Grand Prix Commission at least 90 days before the event. The GPC will then decide if any of those applications will be accepted, and then inform the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme).
In addition, manufacturers are not permitted to have wildcard entries at consecutive Grands Prix. This isn’t the case for manufacturers who have concessions though, as they are allowed to run wildcards in consecutive races.
In Sepang, motogp.com spoke to the premier class manufacturers about their provisional plans for wildcards in 2023. It’s important to note that there is a maximum of two wildcard entries permitted per Grand Prix, and at this stage, some Grands Prix might have more than two requests. This means despite what some of the teams have said, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be the case. All wildcard applications – at this stage – are subject to GPC approval.
One wildcard appearance that we know is going ahead is MotoGP™ Legend, Dani Pedrosa, competing for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing at the Spanish Grand Prix. Team Manager Francesco Guidotti confirmed to motogp.com that they would like to have Pedrosa make a wildcard ride at the San Marino Grand Prix too.
Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi commented that the Bologna factory wants their test rider, Michele Pirro, to be racing alongside his full-time counterparts in San Marino and at the Italian Grand Prix. Tardozzi also suggested that the Dutch GP could be an option for Pirro too.
Paolo Bonora, Team Manager at Aprilia Racing, confirmed the Noale factory wishes to have Lorenzo Savadori link up with the team at Mugello, Assen and at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Both Honda and Yamaha were still deciding where they’d like to see their respective test riders, Stefan Bradl and Cal Crutchlow, on track in 2023.