MotoGP Announces Ban on Start Devices and Grid Layout Changes - Effective Immediately from Dutch GP

The Grand Prix Commission of the FIM Road Racing World Championship (MotoGP) has announced several upcoming regulation changes. Of particular note are the prohibition of "start devices" used to keep the motorcycle's posture low at the start, and changes to the grid layout.

Start Device Ban and Grid Layout Changes

Grid Layout Change

The first of the announced changes is the prohibition of start devices. These are devices that have been used to keep the motorcycle's posture low at the start of a race, and they will be applied immediately starting from this weekend's Dutch GP. Although they were originally scheduled to be banned as part of broader regulation changes for next season, their implementation has been moved forward. This matter, which has been a hot topic in several Grands Prix this season, has now been officially decided.

Next, changes to the grid layout have also been announced. These will be applied starting from the German GP and will affect all classes, not just MotoGP. The distance between riders will be increased from the current 3 meters to 4 meters. This will also expand the distance between each row from 9 meters (3x3) to 12 meters (3x4). The number of riders per row will remain at three, but the aim is to further improve safety at the start of the race by providing more space.

Manufacturer Vehicle Number Limit and Future Outlook

Furthermore, it has been officially decided that from the 2028 season, the number of vehicles per factory on the grid will be limited to a maximum of six. This means that each manufacturer can supply vehicles to a maximum of two additional teams in addition to their own factory team. However, this regulation is conditional on at least five manufacturers participating in the championship. While some manufacturers, like Ducati, already have a maximum of six bikes on the grid as of 2026, this regulation will establish it as an official rule from 2028 onwards.

These changes aim to improve the fairness and safety of competition in MotoGP, and it remains to be seen how they will impact future race developments.

Detailed GPC decisions can be confirmed via the link below.

https://resources.motogp.pulselive.com/motogp/document/2026/06/22/f0d3ba8b-d119-4963-9b69-70818a56db25/Decisions-of-the-Grand-Prix-Commission-22-June.pdf