MotoGP confirms major technical rule change from Dutch Grand Prix

The most immediate change is the banning of ride height devices which have come under increased scrutiny due to a number of turn one crashes in 2026 and were already due to be banned in 2027.

The 'holeshot device', which helps riders maximise acceleration off the line, will be removed from all bikes from this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix at Assen.

A statement from the commission read:

In a further response to first corner accidents, grid spacing will also be increased in the following German Grand Prix. There were rumours of a switch to two-by-two grid slots, like Formula 1 and four-wheeled events, but the three-person slots will remain:

The two changes to race starts come after high-profile incidents in Catalunya and Hungary. In Barcelona the race was restarted after an Alex Marquez crash, and upon the restart Johann Zarco tangled with Francesco Bagnaia and got his leg caught under his rival's Ducati. Zarco was then dragged along the tarmac and is still awaiting ligament surgery over a month later due to the burns.

At Balaton Park two races later there was then another turn one incident when 2024 champion Jorge Martin lost control of his bike. He took out Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, Fermin Aldeguer, Raul Fernandez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, with only the last of those able to continue.

Di Giannantonio was particularly critical after the event:

Riders had the opportunity to practice race starts without ride height devices on Friday in Brno, but not everyone was happy, particularly KTM's Pedro Acosta.

In a further long-term update, manufacturers will be able to field a maximum of six riders from 2028 onwards:

Ducati are currently the only manufactuerer with six bikes on the grid across their Ducati Lenovo factory team and Gresini and VR46 satellite team.