Usually, the MotoGP grid has 22 riders: two in each of the 11 teams. In next week’s Spanish GP, that number will increase and could reach 26 bikes on the starting grid.
A potential increase thanks to wildcard entries. The fourth round of the season takes place at the Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto, which will host the first day of official testing on the Monday following the race. This makes the Spanish GP an ideal moment for manufacturers to field wildcards with their test riders, gathering useful information.
So far, there are two confirmed wildcards. Dani Pedrosa will return to competition with Red Bull KTM, while Stefan Bradl will be at the Grand Prix with Honda. Only Ducati is unable to enter wildcards, as they do not have development concessions for it.
However, Aprilia and Yamaha can do so if they wish, with Lorenzo Savadori and Cal Crutchlow in their ranks. If these two manufacturers also decide to enter wildcards in Jerez, the Spanish GP will have 26 riders on the grid. For now, 24 are guaranteed, two more than usual.
