MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP teams have reached agreement on significant safety modifications to the starting grid configuration, with changes set to take effect from the German Grand PrixCompetition·German Grand Prix on 10-12 July, according to motorsport.com.
The decision follows a serious first-corner incident during the Catalonia Grand PrixCompetition·Catalonia Grand Prix restart last month that left three riders injured. Johann ZarcoPlayer·Johann Zarco sustained significant knee injuries in the collision and faces an extended recovery period, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures during race starts.
The agreed modifications will be implemented in two phases. From the German Grand PrixCompetition·German Grand Prix, the distance between rows on the starting grid will be increased by four metres, providing riders with additional maneuvering space to prevent the clustering of multiple motorcycles in close proximity during the critical first corner.
A second safety measure will prohibit the use of holeshot devices during race starts, taking effect from the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix in early August. These devices, which lower the bike's rear suspension to improve acceleration off the line, have become standard equipment across the grid but will be banned as part of the comprehensive safety review.
Teams will test both modifications during the Czech Grand PrixCompetition·Czech Grand Prix weekend at BrnoVenue·Brno in two weeks' time. While the changes require formal approval from the Grand Prix Commission, this process is considered a formality given the widespread consensus that enhanced safety measures are essential.
The modifications address growing concerns about start-related incidents, which represent the highest-risk moments in modern MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP racing. The increased grid spacing aims to reduce the likelihood of multi-bike collisions by giving riders more room to react to sudden changes in racing lines or unexpected braking.
The timing of these changes comes as the 2026 MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP season reaches its midpoint, with Marco BezzecchiPlayer·Marco Bezzecchi leading the championship standings ahead of Jorge MartinPlayer·Jorge Martin and Fabio Di GiannantonioPlayer·Fabio Di Giannantonio. The German Grand PrixCompetition·German Grand Prix will mark the first implementation of the new safety protocols as the sport continues to balance competitive intensity with rider welfare.
These adjustments represent the most significant changes to MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP starting procedures in recent years, demonstrating the sport's commitment to learning from incidents and implementing preventive measures swiftly.
Johann Zarco races his Castrol Honda LCR motorcycle at the 2026 MotoGP Catalunya Grand Prix in Barcelona. Anadolu Agency/IMAGO
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