Simon Crafar has taken charge as head of the MotoGP Stewards Panel at the start of the 2025 season, placing MotoGP rider safety leadership at the forefront of his role. Together with fellow FIM stewards Andrés Somolinos and Tamara Matko, Crafar is tasked with making crucial decisions on penalties, emphasizing the protection of riders in every situation.
A Former Racer’s Journey to Stewardship
Crafar’s racing career dates back to the 500cc World Championship, where he competed in 25 Grands Prix and achieved a notable win at Donington Park in 1998 aboard a WCM satellite Yamaha, besting legendary competitor Mick Doohan. His firsthand experience as a racer lends him deep insight into the demands and risks of the sport, shaping his current commitment to ensuring rider safety.
Transitioning from Track to Governance
After stepping away from racing, Crafar returned to MotoGP as a commentator in 2018, confronting steep challenges as he adjusted to a new professional role. The shift required acquiring skills beyond riding, involving a significant learning curve about the sport’s regulatory and officiating aspects.
“I had to learn a completely new profession. It wasn’t easy, even though I had been a rider before,”
—Simon Crafar, Head of MotoGP Stewards Panel
This period of adaptation proved essential, as Crafar realized that his racing experience directly informed his decisions on the stewards’ panel.
“I realised a lot of my past experience was exactly what I need now,”
—Simon Crafar, Head of MotoGP Stewards Panel
Emphasizing Clear Communication to Manage Penalties
One of Crafar’s key tools in his leadership is straightforward communication with riders regarding penalties. He recognizes that unclear messaging can lead to misunderstandings and frustration among competitors, which can escalate tensions in an already high-pressure environment.
“If you don’t communicate clearly, riders don’t understand a penalty — and you’re dealing with angry people,”
—Simon Crafar, Head of MotoGP Stewards Panel
By fostering transparency, his approach encourages more constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between stewards and riders, allowing for fairer and more accepted decisions.
Building Upon Previous Stewardship While Steering Change
Crafar respects the foundational work established by his predecessor, Freddie Spencer, who faced criticism during his tenure but initiated meaningful reforms. Crafar acknowledges this groundwork as a springboard for his own efforts to revise how penalties are assessed and enforced in the evolving MotoGP environment.
“I was lucky because he started a lot of changes during his time.”
—Simon Crafar, Head of MotoGP Stewards Panel
With a focus on safety as the guiding principle, Crafar reinforces the role of rules to minimize danger on the track.
“For me, it’s about protecting the riders. The rules are there to prevent danger,”
—Simon Crafar, Head of MotoGP Stewards Panel
Extending Safety Focus to Emerging Talent
Crafar’s commitment goes beyond the premier MotoGP category; he is also dedicated to enhancing safety standards in junior ranks such as Moto3, where future champions develop their skills. His vision includes not only penalizing unsafe behavior but also educating young riders to cultivate a culture of care and caution.
“We try to build a safe future for these riders when they move up to the higher classes,”
—Simon Crafar, Head of MotoGP Stewards Panel
This proactive approach aims to protect the sport’s upcoming talent while ensuring they adopt habits that prioritize well-being from the outset of their careers.
Redefining MotoGP’s Safety Paradigm for the Future
Simon Crafar has positioned himself as a transformative figure in MotoGP, blending his racing background with new responsibilities to safeguard competitors. His leadership promises a shift where riders can push their limits with greater confidence, knowing that safety measures are thoughtfully implemented and enforced.
This evolution marks a hopeful new chapter in motorcycle racing, balancing the excitement of competition with firm protections that aim to reduce risks and enhance the longevity of riders’ careers across all levels of the sport.
