Personally, I have a number of MotoGP riders that I have named ‘heroes’ for myself. The famous #46 doesn’t need an introduction. But I’ve also been a big fan of Aleix Espargaro from the start (aprilia soft spot from day one). To see him race like he does right now in this 2022 season is just breathtaking. Jack Miller is another one of my favourites. He’s just such a champ. A brilliant rider and a lovely character off the bike as well.
But my first MotoGP hero was Scott Redding. I know he is no MotoGP rider anymore, but switchted to BSB and is currently riding in the WorldSBK class. But when I started watching MotoGP and following it closely, he still rode the GO&FUN Gresini Honda RCV1000R. That was back in 2014.
As his career developed, my respect for him grew with it. He hasn’t had the easiest career in MotoGP, with some quite challenging bikes to ride. But I have always admired his honesty. If the bike was sh*t, he just said so. I know that didn’t always go down well with his team. And I know those riders are professional athletes and it is expected that they behave accordingly. But those professional riders are also human. And can you blame the guy for expressing his emotions and frustrations? I miss the good old time then things like that could still be said.