Simon Claffer started his position as a fim Motogue steward in 2025, setting foot on the long-standing magnet of criticism. After recognizing years of controversy and contradictions underneath Freddie Spencer’s tenure, Claffer’s appointment confirmed a philosophical shift in how stewards are approached on the high stage of bike racing.
Former 500cc Grand Prix winner, Crafar brings not solely credibility however empathy. It was born from my private expertise on the monitor. His objective is evident. Past the repute of the steward as a chilly arbitrator of penalties, as an alternative specializing in defending the rider.
“It is essential to elucidate the position of so many individuals view their position because the Punisher position, the position of these distributing sanctions. However I see it in a different way. For me, it is a job aimed toward defending riders, and that is how it’s,” Claffer defined his position in an interview with Gpone.
“The principles are written like that to guard riders from hazard. I believe a part of my job is to make sure that riders do not make the identical mistake over and over.
“However to guard them from risks that might have critical penalties. I believe my position is extra than simply being an individual who punishes riders.”
The 56-year-old Kiwi shouldn’t be acquainted with the world of Grand Prix. He rode the WCM Yamaha within the 1998 season and gained the British Grand Prix on the well-known Donington Park.
Simon Crafer is aware of the evolution of MotoGP bikes
Since then, bicycles have developed dramatically, particularly when it comes to expertise and complexity. That is why speaking with riders has develop into an essential a part of the steward, says Claffer.
“It is all tough with these bikes, and that is why speaking to riders is what makes it much more essential since you typically have data you do not have as a decide,” he continues.
“I all the time take heed to them earlier than I make a judgment with them.
“Typically you’re confronted with an accident attributable to technical issues with the bike, as issues occur to riders you possibly can’t know.
“That sort of factor all the time makes us suppose lots as a result of we all know we’ve got to bear in mind the technical assumptions behind a specific accident. That is why we speak lots with the rider earlier than we make a judgment. That is not a giant deal, however actually makes issues harder.”
His method has already been attracting consideration by riders, particularly Mark Marquez.
After a fierce however clear battle together with his teammate Francesco Bagnaia at Muguero, Marquez was summoned to talk to the steward. No incident occurred, however the dialog left a constructive impression.
“Nothing, it is only a motog,” Marquez advised SkyItalia again to Muguero when requested why he went to the steward.
“Yeah (it is all advantageous), Simon Claffer is doing rather well. He is all the time going to speak to all of the riders and get to know all their opinions.
“In the long run, once they name you and name you to inform you what you probably did fallacious, they need to know what occurred.”
