Simon Crafar to take on MotoGP Stewards role

Simon Crafar, the informative pit reporter for MotoGP’s International Programme Feed since 2018, will hang up his microphone at the end of this year to take on the role of Chairman of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel. The New Zealander, a former GP rider and 500cc race winner, will replace Freddie Spencer, who’s held the Chairman’s position since it was created in 2019.

The Chairman of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel is nominated by the teams’ association (IRTA), with their appointment approved by the Permanent Bureau. Alongside the Chairman, the panel is completed by two other stewards, both of whom are nominated by the FIM and approved by the Permanent Bureau.

"I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge,” Crafar said. “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."

As a grand prix rider, Crafar’s career covered two periods – 1993 and 1998/99 – with time in the Superbike World Championship in between. In ’93, he rode in both the 250cc and 500cc classes, for Suzuki and Yamaha respectively. His return to 500cc competition was with Red Bull Yamaha WCM, with whom he achieved his sole premier class win at the British Grand Prix in 1998.

After retiring from circuit racing, Crafar took up extreme enduro and led rider training programmes, including for the European Junior Cup.

In his upcoming role, Crafar will work alongside current FIM MotoGP Stewards, Andrés Somolinos and Tamara Matko in adjudicating race weekend incidents. Crafar’s appointment is being seen as a positive by many in the MotoGP paddock, especially those who were critical of Spencer’s decision making during his time in the role.