All change: farewell child prodigies: 18 the minimum world championship age

The proposal is interesting, in that it deals directly with the safety of young riders. It appears that, from 2022, the minimum age for entry into the world championships will be 18. Or at least, the rider in question will need to be turning 18 during that calendar year.

So if the championship starts in March and the rider turns 18 in April, a special ‘dispensation’ will apply. All of this is still just theory, as nothing has been officially confirmed as yet, but one thing is clear, the many accidents having led to a sensible crackdown.

We know that in certain fatal situations, age counts for nothing. OK. But it’s also true that, figures in hand, the categories with the most youngsters also see the highest percentage of ‘on-the-limit’ incidents. Many of the competitors lack experience, manners, culture and, why not, the right amount of fear. Without forgetting healthy punishment.

Farewell child prodigies? Best to keep them in the national series

The many impressive wins by an underage Loris Capirossi, who won the 125 world title, or Manuel Gonzalez’ championship win in Supersport 300. Both will go down in history. In theory at least, as we continue to await confirmation from Dorna and the FIM. If this arrives, the Italian and the Spaniard will be remembered as two of many child prodigies on two wheels. And the next might be Pedro Acosta, if Dennis Foggia is unable to get the better of him.

From 2022, "episodes" such as Can Oncu’s 2018 win at Valencia – at 15 years and 115 days of age – will only be seen in the national championship or categories like the ETC, Red Bull Rookies Cup and Asian Talent Cup. Before reaching the world championship, most riders take that route, or compete in the CIV, CEV, etc.

And then there’s the other extreme, represented by Swede Fergus Anderson, who won the 1954 Spanish GP at the age of 45. And Albino Milani who triumphed in the 1957 GP of Nations at the age of 46 and 265 days. Although that was in the sidecar category. Not that this is any less difficult than a bike though.

Translated by Heather Watson

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