Scott Redding is one of these popular drivers, with a strong character, in the purest British tradition. Revealed to the world in 2013, he nevertheless became the youngest Grand Prix winner in 2008, aged just 15. Finally, what can we remember from his world career? Let's break it all down.
Let me be clear: Redding hasn't had a bad career, and it's far from over. Currently struggling in WSBK, he can still hope for a sudden return to the forefront. Today is an analysis of his first part of life, shall we say. Or rather I should use the first person. I was counting on this driver a lot after his excellent 2013.
Scott arrived in 125cc in 2008 and established himself almost immediately, surprising everyone. The following years were complicated, including in Moto2, a class he discovered in 2010. In 2013, the Kalex-MarcVDS association seemed stronger than ever. Pol Espargaro stood alone, taking on the status of favorite.
Scott Redding was a real threat in Moto2. Photo: Andrew Nappier
However, the great Briton managed to defy the predictions and held the Spaniard aloft. Not fitting into any box, he benefited from the sympathy of the public – unlike his rival – and offered great moments of spectacle. His victory at Silverstone, in front of his audience with a helmet and a special decoration, marked me. Even more so, its very original “salamander” celebration, at a time when only Jorge Lorenzo took the trouble to celebrate his successes with dignity.
In Assen (2nd), his team gave him a sign “ BREATHE » so that he would not forget to breathe, as the battle was so unbearable. The English are valiant, valiant, but unreliable in the long term. While he had a thirty-point lead mid-season, his pile melted like snow in the sun and my hero was sucked in by the ogre Espargaró, objectively much better. First disillusionment.
This performance guarantees a passage in MotoGP ; logic. This year at GO&FUN Gresini was difficult. However, looking at the detailed results, there is no reason to be discouraged. It should be remembered that Redding was one of the Open drivers, succeeding the CRT. This means that he only benefited from second-rate equipment, in this case a Honda RCV1000R. However, he finished only eight points behindAlvaro Bautista, same team, which was riding an RC213V satellite. Scott finished the year 12th, in second position in the Open “championship”, well behind Aleix Espargaró.
Great charisma. Here at Le Mans in 2013.
In 2015, the Englishman found MarcVDS, this time in a private stable. Despite a – lucky – podium in Misano, the exercise is difficult. Redding is the worst Honda driver outside the Open, and takes 41 points from Cal Crutchlow on equal equipment. This season pushes Redding towards the exit, but a Ducati handlebar at Pramac reaches out to him.
No more Opens, everyone at the same level. Accompanied by Danilo Petrucci, the two men fought throughout the year to have the best equipment the following season. Ducati's proposal was simple: the one who finishes ahead of the other will have a GP17, the other will stay on the same machine..
Again, no debate. The Italian was better. Despite a podium for Redding and four races missed by “Petrux”, it was still the latter who won this internal battle for a small point in Valencia. Cruel, but we have to face the facts. For Redding, this does not work.
In 2017, it was no longer there. In 14th place in the ranking with its big problems of irregularity and too many falls. The era of the single ECU should have put him forward, made him take podiums, but it was not the case.. Bautista, at 33 years old and an equal machine but less well structured, finished ahead of him. The end of the story was near.
The Brit found a way out at Aprilia but had a disastrous season (21st) before escaping to BSB. What to take from all this?
Redding at the 2010 Qatar Grand Prix. Photo: Motoracerports
This article was created for a specific purpose. Highlight the exceptional level of the MotoGP field. Scott Redding failed, despite being an excellent driver. These harsh words are written without animosity or bad faith. Once again, it was one of my favorites. Out of three brands, he was unable to meet the challenge. It's not serious, it's not demeaning. This is the law of the high level.
The Redding example is not taken at random either. Unfortunately, he suffers from “dark horse” syndrome as we like to say across the Channel.. On social networks as in his statements, Scott often positions himself as a victim against his detractors – who can be counted on the fingers of one hand, wanting at the cost of donning the outfit of a starving outsider hated by all, even if it means standing up alone to defend the widow and the orphan.
The reality is different. Everyone loves Redding, or at worst, is indifferent. Scott received the same treatment as the other riders and had many opportunities to prove his talent in MotoGP.
What did you think of this pilot? Tell me in the comments!
Cover photo: Matthieu Pelletier
