Uniform and clearly defined starting procedure for all classes
Following repeated chaos at race starts – most recently at the US Grand Prix in Austin – the starting procedure in the regulations has been significantly streamlined. The aim of the new regulations is to create more clarity and safety for everyone involved.
Key points of the new starting regulations:
- Leaving the grid: If a driver leaves the grid after the 3-minute sign for any reason (technical or due to tire choice) or does not even go to the grid, he must:
- start the warm-up lap from the pit lane,
- then resume his original starting position,
- and complete two long lap penalties in the race.
- From the 3-minute sign: All work on the motorcycle must be completed by the time the 3-minute sign is displayed. After that, adjustments are only permitted in the pit lane.
- 1-minute sign: By this time, all affected motorcycles must have left the starting grid and be in the pit lane. In the MotoGP class, motorcycle changes are also permitted there.
- 30-second sign: All engines must be running by this time at the latest. Mechanic assistance is no longer permitted from this point onwards. Riders with starting problems must give a signal by raising their arm. A restart attempt in the grid is prohibited – instead, the motorcycle must be brought into the pit lane under supervision.
- Start from the pit lane:
- Launch control and ride height systems are prohibited when starting from the pits.
- There is an exception if a race has been declared a wet race or the white flag is shown. Riders may then change tires or motorcycles in the pits before the start and start from there without additional penalty.
- Multiple starters from the pit lane: The starting order of these riders is determined by the officials. If the number exceeds ten, the start procedure will be aborted completely in the interests of safety and a Quick Start process will be initiated.
With these changes, the distinction between technical problems and strategic decisions will no longer apply. Instead, a general, comprehensible sanction in the form of a double long lap penalty will now apply.
MotoGP exclusive: testing option for injured riders
Another novelty applies exclusively to the premier class. MotoGP riders who have been unable to compete in at least three consecutive events or 45 days in a row due to injury will now have the opportunity to take part in a private test.
General conditions for the test:
- Testing is only allowed on tracks where either no further Grands Prix will take place during the season or where the manufacturer is allowed to test anyway.
- The test may not take place within eight weeks before a Grand Prix there.
- A maximum of three sets of tires may be used, which count towards the test team’s quota.
The aim of this regulation is to make it easier for injured drivers to physically return to racing – without distorting competition or gaining additional advantages.
Test ban for 2027 specifications in 2025
In consultation with all manufacturers, it was decided that 2027 motorcycles may not be tested during the 2025 season. Prototypes for the 2027 regulations will not be allowed on the track until November 17, 2025.
This agreement is intended to ensure that all manufacturers initially focus on current development and sporting competition.
New wildcard rule for Moto2 and Moto3
The Commission has also introduced new restrictions for Moto2 and Moto3 to curb excessive wildcard entries:
- Maximum of three wildcard entries per rider per season
- Maximum of three wildcards per team per season
This is intended to ensure that talented riders with ambitions to compete in several races work more towards permanent starting positions in future.
Conclusion
With the latest rule changes, the Grand Prix Commission is responding to chaotic scenes and loopholes in the rules that have led to uncertainty among drivers, teams and spectators. The uniform sanction for start procedure violations, the more precise test release for injured drivers and the limits for wildcards create clear, fair and safety-oriented conditions in Grand Prix sport.
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