Spanish MotoGP: What is wildcard rule and how it affects the normal grid? Check all details about the rule!

In the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, there will be three Wild Card drivers on the grid making things interesting. Ferrari and Honda will introduce three wildcard riders making the grid full of 25 drivers, unlike a normal 22-person grid. 

However, do you know why teams introduce wild card drivers and how it works? For those unaware, A MotoGP wildcard is a rider who joins the Grand Prix even if they're not racing full-time that season. The wildcard drivers’ rule was introduced way back in the 20th century. 

Notably, Wildcards drivers were usually introduced in their home grid because of their greater knowledge of the grid. It helps teams to attract viewers and grab many important points. However, over time the rule has been modified and now it has a completely different approach. 

Nowadays, teams usually pick their test rider as a wildcard, but in the past, local riders often got the chance to join a race. Steve Manship is known as one of the greatest wildcard entries ever. He finished second at the 1978 British Grand Prix, which was his only race that year.

What are the benefits of wildcard drivers? 

It's really helpful for MotoGP teams to join wildcard races because it gives them more chances to practice on the track. This matters a lot because they only have nine official days for testing each year. The feedback from the rider during these races can help improve the bike.

But most teams don't use all their wildcard opportunities in a season. For example, in 2023, Yamaha only had their test rider Cal Crutchlow join one race, the Japanese GP. Even though there are many benefits to joining more races teams often don't do it because it's expensive to run a MotoGP bike. The more bikes they enter in a race, the more money they have to spend.

Do wildcard riders earn points? 

When a wildcard rider competes in a MotoGP race, the points they earn don't count towards their team's championship. This rule exists because it wouldn't be fair for a team to have an extra chance to score points compared to others who only have two bikes. 

However, the wildcard rider can still earn points for themselves in the individual championship, as well as for the motorcycle manufacturer in the constructors' championship. In the constructors' championship, only the highest-placed rider's points count, so using a wildcard doesn't give any unfair advantage.