MotoGP ban holeshot devices with immediate effect

MotoGP has banned holeshot devices ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Assen, while also revealing upcoming changes to the grid layout and bike limit. 

The decision was made by MotoGP’s Grand Prix Commission, meaning both the front-lowering and rear ride-height devices will be scrapped by the end of 2026, with the latter set to be banned at the conclusion of this season.

The reason for the front device being removed with immediate effect is to try and improve safety, especially at the first corner of races.

Recent races have been plagued by huge accidents, some of which have caused injuries that require surgery. Johann Zarco was one of the riders who suffered most from this, after being caught up in an incident with Francesco Bagnaia and Luca Marini in Barcelona. The LCR Honda rider has missed the last three rounds due to an ongoing knee injury.  

While the holeshot ban starts this weekend at Assen, adjustments to the current grid layout will be introduced at the German MotoGP in July.

Three riders will remain per row, rather than the two-rider layout that has been rumoured as an option in the future, however, spacing will increase from three to four metres. Finally, MotoGP has also confirmed that there will be a restriction on the number of teams allowed per manufacturer from 2028.

The limit will be six, meaning manufacturers can provide four bikes in total across two satellite teams, as well as two bikes for its own factory team. 

A statement from the MotoGP Grand Prix Commission said: 

“Front Ride Height devices removed – MotoGP class – effective from the Dutch Grand Prix 

“Front Ride Height devices – known as holeshot devices – will be removed from all MotoGP machines from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards. This follows consultation with all MotoGP teams and after riders have had the opportunity to test their starts in extra Practice Start sessions. 

“Grid Layout adjusted – all classes – effective from the German Grand Prix 

“To further increase safety at race starts, the standard grid layout for all classes will be adjusted from the 2026 German Grand Prix onwards. The current vertical spacing between rows of riders is three metres and will be increased to four metres, extending the distance between each three-rider row from nine to 12 metres. Three riders will remain on each row. 

“Six motorcycles on the grid per manufacturer – MotoGP class – effective season 2028 

“From 2028, there will be a maximum limit of six riders who are permitted to use machinery from the same manufacturer in MotoGP, effectively meaning that manufacturers will be able to supply a maximum of two teams in addition to their own. This is under the condition that there are at least five manufacturers competing in the Championship at that time.”

These regulation tweaks are part of a wide change that’s scheduled for 2027, including 850cc engines, and 100 per cent sustainable fuel. Pirelli will also be the tyre supplier, replacing Michelin, which is moving over to WorldSBK instead.

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