I've said I would put Cudlin on it. My first choice would be rapp but he has a full time job and I'm not sure he would have the time. Once the decision is made to compete and spend the crazy funds needed, the only thing Richard wants to do is make the bike better for the rider, it's his passion and he knows how to do that. He can tell from the data what the bike is doing better than most riders. He needs a rider that has the experience and feel to give accurate feedback that he can use to taylor the bike to that rider.
And yes, qualifying and top 15 would be huge results! Just as important would be huge improvements in lap times over the weekend to give Richard a direction for further development.