It doesn’t matter why a rider leaves the starting grid – the procedure and penalties are now the same in all classes – making it easier for everyone
The MotoGP start procedure and possible penalties for riders leaving the starting grid have been simplified to avoid chaotic situations like those seen at the US Grand Prix in the future. As a result, the regulations have been amended in certain details. The changes apply with immediate effect, starting with the French Grand Prix.
“The previous rules were very complex and difficult for the teams to understand. The revised version is much simpler,” MotoGP race director Mike Webb told MotoGP.com.
The new rules are easier for everyone to understand – for the riders, the teams and, of course, the spectators. It will also be easier for race control and officials, as there will only be one parameter in future.
“It doesn’t matter why a rider leaves the starting grid – every reason will be treated the same, even if a rider doesn’t make it to the starting grid in the first place,” Webb emphasizes, explaining the new procedure.
“In the new regulations, it’s very simple: any rider who leaves the starting grid will start the warm-up lap from the pit lane, then take their original starting position and receive a double long-lap penalty in the race. That’s all.”
“Compared to the old regulations, in the incident in Austin—when Marquez and other drivers left the grid—you would have had to know exactly which tires they had used during the inspection and warm-up lap, which motorcycle they were using, and so on.”
“Then some riders would have received a drive-through penalty, others would not, while those who remained on the grid would not have received a penalty. Now the same penalty and procedure applies, regardless of such technical details.”
This makes it easier for everyone—especially the spectators—to understand. Whatever the reason for a rider leaving the starting grid, they may return to their starting position after the warm-up lap and receive two long-lap penalties.
The new rule will apply in all Grand Prix classes. Although there is only one motorcycle per rider in Moto2 and Moto3, the same procedure applies if, for example, the motorcycle is ready to race again in time after a technical problem.
“This also avoids chaos when several motorcycles try to line up at the back of the grid,” says the race director, citing another reason for simplifying the rules. ‘It’s much clearer for everyone involved.’
