It may not have been the most important news of the final weekend of the season, but Stefan Bradl quietly announced his retirement from MotoGP after the Barcelona Grand Prix. The German, who has been in the paddock since he was a child, 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 hereToday we will focus more on what he will leave behind and the very important role he occupied.
Forced to return
For many, Stefan Bradl is a driver from the past. By past, I mean the late 2000s and early 2010s. As a reminder, he arrived in the world championship 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 2011. , in 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 rooting for him. I don't know why, but I found him handsome on the Honda LCR; in any case, much more so than on the Aprilia RS-GP from mid-2015.
Stefan Bradl in 2010, during the first Moto2 season, with his sponsor Viessmann.
After a campaign in WSBK, he became a test rider for Honda, a position of responsibility. And history, unfortunately, gave him a weight that was far too great for his shoulders.. At first, it was a few stints here and there, nothing out of the ordinary. But in 2020, when Marc Marquez was injured in Jerez, he was called up by Honda Repsol to replace him, this time full-time. At 31 years old, no one could blame him for his average results, but I have always maintained that the winged firm should have found someone else to replace Marquez, that it was, in short, a sort of admission of weakness to bring back a Bradl who had already been out of his depth for four years. Stefan took the mission to heart, with honours, and even placed seventh in the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix.This is his last appearance in the top 10.
Of course, he was probably not up to the task he was given, but as I always say, You can't blame a driver for not having the talent of another.. All are exceptional, and Bradl, as a great driver, accepted this perilous role without batting an eyelid. It is not fair to belittle such a fighter when it is Honda who 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 failed to (re)make Honda a major force on the grid. He was both actor and spectator – like Takaaki Nakagami finally – of the descent into hell of the brand with the golden wing. Here again, he is not wrong, since it is indeed Honda who should have bet 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, the presence of Marquez in the factory team did not make his job any easier.. In this sense, I think that the arrival of Aleix Espargaro will do a lot of good.
Bradl has made the dream of many come true by riding for Honda Repsol. That's no small feat in a career. Photo: Box Repsol
However, for us spectators, 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 handlebars, talking about the fear that the Honda instilled in his riders. 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 liked to listen to his edge.
auf wiedersehen
Goodbye, Stefan! The German, who has never been far from the circuits, will take a well-deserved rest. He remains a flagship driver of 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.
Stefan Bradl, at the last Grand Prix of his career, in the traditional Honda colours. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
