Let's talk MotoGP: This rider retired and no one noticed

It may not have been the most important news from the final weekend of the season, but Stefan Bradl quietly announced his retirement from MotoGP following the Barcelona Grand Prix. The German, present in the paddocks since his childhood, remains a world champion, and not just any world champion. We have already dedicated articles to his career, which we invite you to find by clicking here. Today we're going to focus more on what he's leaving behind and the very important role he played.

Forced to return

For many, Stefan Bradl is a driver from the past. By past, I mean the end of the 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s. As a reminder, he arrived in the world full-time during the 2008 season, and left the championship at the end of 2016, almost ten years later. During this period, he took a Moto2 championship title against Marc Marquez in 2011in addition to a pole and a podium in MotoGP, at the 2013 United States Grand Prix (the last race held at Laguna Seca to date). Honestly, that day, I was for him. I don't know why, I found it beautiful on the Honda LCR; in any case, much more than on the Aprilia RS-GP from mid-2015.

After a campaign in WSBK, he became a test driver for Honda, a position of responsibility. And history, unfortunately, gave him too much weight for his shoulders.. First, it was a few glitches here and there, nothing more normal. But in 2020, when Marc Marquez was injured in Jerez, he was called by Honda Repsol to replace him, full-time this time. At already 31 years old, no one could blame him for his average results, but I always maintained that the winged firm should have found someone else to replace Marquez, that it was, in short, a kind admission of weakness than to bring back a Bradl who had already been out of his depth for four years. Stefan took the mission to heart, with honors, and even placed seventh in the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix. This is his last appearance in the top 10.

Certainly, he was probably not up to the level of the mission entrusted to him, but as I say all the time, you can't blame a driver for not having the talent of another. All of them are exceptional, and Bradl, like a great pilot, accepted this perilous role without flinching. It's not fair to belittle such a fighter when it's Honda that chooses who to put on the RC213V.

He was still very present in 2021, 2022 and 2023; again, to test and replace. In total, until this GP of Solidarity, he has taken part in 34 races since Marquez's injury in 2020, which is not insignificant.

An important role

History has shown us, unfortunately, that he had not succeeded in (re)making Honda a major force in the field.
He was both actor and spectator – like Takaaki Nakagami ultimately – of the golden-winged brand’s descent into hell. Here again, he is not at fault, since it is indeed Honda which should have focused on a more dynamic profile, because it was visible from the outside. He never had the impact of a Guintoli on the Suzuki program, or that of a Pedrosa at KTM.
Furthermore, Marquez's presence in the factory team did not make his job easier.. In this sense, I think that the arrival of Aleix Espargaro will do a lot of good.

However, for us, the audience, it was quite interesting to hear him speak openly about his experience. At 35, his advanced age – for a Grand Prix driver – allowed him to speak more freely, without fear of being sacked. In 2023, he informed us about his mental state when he took the handlebarsevoking the fear that the Honda instilled in its drivers. In 2024, he did not hesitate to compare the styles of Zarco, Mir and Marini, giving his raw opinion on the technical choices. At a time of polite and flat speeches, I loved listening to his cutting edge.

Goodbye

Goodbye, Stefan! The German, who has never strayed far from the circuits, will take a well-deserved rest.
He remains a key driver from one of the most passionate periods of my life, and well deserved this article.

What memories will you keep of Stefan Bradl?
Tell us in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport