MotoGP Regulatory Overhaul: New Safety and Competition Rules
The Grand Prix Commission has mandated immediate changes to MotoGP technical and sporting regulations, including a ban on front ride-height devices starting at the Dutch TT and expanded grid spacing beginning at the German GP. According to official documents released by the Grand Prix Commission on June 22, these measures aim to prioritize rider safety and limit manufacturer dominance by capping the number of bikes per factory by 2028.
Why is the holeshot device being banned?
The Grand Prix Commission has moved to ban front ride-height devices—commonly known as holeshot devices—effective immediately for the Dutch Grand Prix. While these systems were already slated for removal in future regulation cycles, the Commission accelerated the timeline to address ongoing concerns regarding start-line safety and mechanical complexity. By forcing bikes to remain at a standard ride height, the series aims to reduce the performance disparity during race starts and simplify the technical requirements for teams.
How will the new grid spacing improve safety?
Starting at the German Grand Prix, the grid layout for all classes will feature increased spacing to mitigate the risk of opening-lap collisions. The distance between each rider will grow from three metres to four metres. Consequently, the spacing between rows will expand from nine metres to 12 metres. This change maintains the traditional three-rider-per-row format while providing additional buffer zones, a move that follows similar safety initiatives implemented in other international motorcycle racing series to reduce the “bunching” effect during the initial sprint to Turn 1.
The grid expansion from 9 metres to 12 metres of row-to-row distance represents a 33% increase in space, specifically designed to give riders more reaction time when the lights go out.
What are the long-term limits on factory entries?
The Grand Prix Commission has codified a limit on manufacturer participation, decreeing that no factory may supply more than six bikes on the grid by 2028. This regulation ensures that manufacturers are limited to their own factory team plus a maximum of two independent teams. This rule is contingent upon having at least five manufacturers competing in the championship. This formalizes the current unofficial trend of limiting factory presence, preventing any single manufacturer from controlling more than one-third of the grid, a scenario currently seen with Ducati.
Pro Tips for Following MotoGP Regulations
- Monitor the GPC documents: Always check the official Grand Prix Commission bulletins, as they serve as the primary source for technical rule changes.
- Watch the start-line footage: Observe the upcoming German GP to see how the increased grid spacing alters the visual and tactical approach to the first corner.
- Track manufacturer counts: Keep an eye on factory satellite partnerships, as the 2028 cap will force major shifts in how independent teams are supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the holeshot device rules permanent?
Yes, the ban is part of a broader shift toward simplifying bike technology. The current rule moves the ban forward from the 2026 season to the Dutch GP.
Does the grid spacing change apply to all classes?
Yes, the Grand Prix Commission confirmed that the increase from three metres to four metres between riders applies to all classes, not just the premier MotoGP category.
What happens if a manufacturer has more than six bikes in 2028?
The regulation explicitly caps the supply at six bikes, provided at least five manufacturers remain in the sport. This effectively forces manufacturers to scale back their satellite team support if they currently exceed that number.
***
What do you think about these changes to the grid and technical rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more technical breakdowns of the MotoGP season.
