MotoGP governing body the FIM has announced that long-derided chief steward Freddie Spencer will step down at the end of the 2024 season, and will be replaced for 2025 by former 500cc race winner and current pitlane reporter Simon Crafar.
Three-time world champion Spencer has been the topic of many headlines since his appointment in 2019, with regularly inconsistent judgements being passed by him and his team of stewards, something that has led to a crisis of confidence in their decision-making, with many of the grid openly calling for his replacement over the past few seasons.
"It’s been a pleasure to have been the first chairman of the panel,” Spencer said in an FIM statement, “and to have worked to put in place the incredible people and procedures we have now.
“When I was asked to be the chairman, I accepted as I wanted to contribute to the sport and I’m proud of my tenure. I’m looking forward to some exciting projects in the future, and I know the team will be in great hands with Simon."
That long-called for change will now come for 2025, with the American being replaced by one-time race winner and seven-year veteran of MotoGP’s commentary team Crafar.
"I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge,” said Crafar. “I did not take the decision lightly to make this change and accept this appointment, as it means leaving a role I’ve enjoyed a lot, but after seven years in MotoGP commentary, I am ready for something new.
“I will approach this new position utilising my experience on and off the bike as rider, technician, coach and journalist, but more importantly with my love for our sport and respect for its competitors. I feel honoured to be trusted with this responsibility and to have been nominated for the role."
Given that one of the main criticisms of Spencer’s tenure has been his lack of communication with both riders and the media when it comes to explaining his decision-making, that should at least be eased by Crafar’s appointment, given his close relationship with many members of the paddock, especially those who also call Andorra home.
On the other hand, he has frequently been at odds with the independent media covering MotoGP since joining Dorna's commentary team.
The news also means that MotoGP will now need to find a new pitlane reporter for 2025, with current stand-in Jack Appleyard likely to be at the top of the shortlist to take over from Crafar on a full-time basis.
The Race Says
While there’s been plenty of calls for Spencer to be replaced in his role as chief steward for the longest time, the decision to do so with another ex-rider instead of someone who brings a different background to the role might not be the golden solution that everyone was hoping for.
But Crafar should, in theory, be a proponent of a more hands-off ‘let them race’ mentality than we’ve seen from Spencer, something that will be welcomed not just by fans but by riders too.
The key factor won’t be in the way he enforces the law, but in how consistently it’s done. That’s something that’s been severely lacking in the past, with similar incidents often punished in different ways from one weekend to another, and is why many have called for someone with a legal background rather than a racing one to get the top job.
