The paddock is buzzing with a question that’s dividing opinions across the racing community. After a series of impressive substitute appearances in 2025, Pol Espargaro has reignited conversations about his future in the premier class. As someone who’s followed his career trajectory closely, I’m analyzing whether the Spanish rider truly deserves another full-time opportunity—and what’s standing in his way.
The Compelling Evidence: Why He’s Earned Another Shot
Performance Under Pressure Speaks Volumes
When called upon as a replacement rider five times during the 2025 season, the former full-time racer delivered results that caught everyone’s attention. Securing top-10 finishes in four out of five substitute appearances isn’t just impressive—it’s exceptional given the circumstances.
Consider what this means: jumping onto a bike with minimal preparation, competing against riders who’ve been racing continuously, and still finishing in the points. That’s the mark of someone whose skills remain razor-sharp despite limited track time.
His qualifying performances were equally noteworthy, consistently reaching Q2 and demonstrating single-lap pace that rivals full-time competitors. This isn’t a rider struggling to keep up—this is someone who can still compete at the highest level.
The Test Rider Advantage: More Than Just Speed
Here’s what separates an experienced substitute from a rookie wildcard: development knowledge. In his current role as a test rider, he provides invaluable feedback that helps shape motorcycle performance. This dual capability—racing competitively while contributing to technical development—makes him uniquely valuable.
Pedro Acosta, one of the championship’s rising stars, has publicly stated his teammate “deserves a full-time ride again.” Acosta specifically noted their similar aggressive front-tire riding styles, viewing him as both a credible top-10 threat and a valuable reference point for his own development.
The mental aspect shouldn’t be overlooked either. Racing without the pressure of championship points or long-term contract negotiations appears to have liberated his riding style, allowing him to showcase the natural talent that made him successful in previous years.
Veteran Wisdom in a Young Man’s Sport
MotoGP isn’t just about outright speed—it’s about consistency, racecraft, tire management, and the mental fortitude to perform at 350+ kilometers per hour lap after lap. These are qualities that come with experience, and the Spaniard has them in abundance.
His track record includes multiple full seasons in the premier class, meaning he understands the physical and mental demands of competing week after week across diverse circuits and conditions. This isn’t someone asking for a chance—it’s someone who’s already proven he belongs, now asking for a second opportunity under different circumstances.
The Obstacles: What’s Working Against a Return
Team Strategies Have Shifted
The MotoGP landscape has evolved dramatically. Factory teams and their satellites increasingly prioritize youth development over veteran experience. The long-term thinking makes business sense: invest in a 22-year-old who could ride for a decade versus a 34-year-old with perhaps three competitive years remaining.
His serious crash in 2023 and subsequent recovery period came at the worst possible time. When teams were finalizing rosters for 2024 and beyond, he was sidelined, making it impossible to demonstrate his continued capabilities.
The Physical Reality
High-speed motorcycle racing places extraordinary demands on the human body. After a severe 2023 incident that required extensive recovery, regaining full confidence—particularly in hard braking zones and tight corners—requires time. While lap times might look competitive, only the rider knows if they’re truly pushing at 100% or holding back that final margin of commitment.
Musical Chairs With No Empty Seats
Even with strong recent form, the brutal reality is simple: there may be no available full-time positions. Manufacturers have multi-year contracts in place, satellite teams have their own strategic priorities, and financial considerations often favor younger riders with longer potential career spans.
The paddock economics matter too. Sponsors want marketability, teams want long-term stability, and manufacturers want riders who’ll develop with their bikes over multiple seasons. A veteran, regardless of talent, faces an uphill battle against these structural factors.
What the Racing Community Is Saying
Acosta’s endorsement carries significant weight. As a factory rider for the same manufacturer, his assessment comes from direct observation during testing sessions and race weekends. He’s praised both the recent results and the collaborative attitude toward factory development work.
From a team-building perspective, having an experienced racer who can provide reliable feedback while also scoring points consistently offers genuine value. For mid-tier teams especially, this combination could be the difference between finishing seventh or tenth in the constructors’ championship—and the financial implications that come with it.
However, not everyone agrees. Some paddock insiders suggest that after a lengthy career and serious injury, the competitive fire may have diminished. Whether fair or not, this perception influences decision-makers when allocating limited seats.
Strategic Recommendations for Teams Considering Him
If I were consulting for a MotoGP team building their 2026 roster, here’s the framework I’d propose for bringing the Spanish rider back:
Set Realistic Performance Expectations: Target consistent top-10 finishes and regular point-scoring rather than immediate podiums. Build confidence through achievable goals.
Define the Role Clearly: Position him not just as a racer, but as a developmental asset and potential mentor for younger teammates. His testing background makes this natural.
Provide Comprehensive Support: Given the recovery from serious injury, invest in top-tier physical therapy, mental coaching, and recovery protocols to prevent burnout and maintain performance.
Structure a Smart Contract: Consider a one-year deal with performance-based options for extension. This limits risk while giving him the opportunity to prove long-term viability.
The right team situation could transform this from a risky veteran signing into a strategic masterstroke—gaining both on-track points and invaluable development expertise.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 substitute campaign demonstrated something crucial: the ability is still there. In an era where MotoGP competition has never been fiercer, a rider with proven pace, extensive experience, and genuine professionalism remains valuable.
Smart teams won’t view him as a nostalgic signing or temporary placeholder. They’ll recognize him for what he truly represents—a strategic asset who can deliver results while contributing to broader team success.
The question isn’t whether he can still compete at the highest level. The recent evidence answers that affirmatively. The real question is whether any team will be bold enough to give him the opportunity he’s earned through his recent performances.