Holeshot Devices to Be Banned, Grid Layout Revised and Manufacturer Limits Confirmed
MotoGP’s governing authorities have announced a series of significant regulatory changes that will reshape the premier class over the coming seasons.
Following meetings between representatives of the FIM, IRTA, MSMA and MotoGP rights holder Dorna, the Grand Prix Commission has confirmed new measures affecting race starts, grid formations and manufacturer participation.
The decisions form part of MotoGP’s ongoing efforts to improve rider safety, reduce technological complexity and maintain a healthy competitive environment as the championship continues to evolve.
Among the most notable changes is the removal of front ride-height devices—commonly known as holeshot devices—from all MotoGP machines beginning with the Dutch Grand Prix. Further adjustments to starting grid layouts will follow at the German Grand Prix, while a new limit on the number of motorcycles supplied by each manufacturer will come into force in 2028.
The announcements mark one of the most important packages of technical and sporting regulation changes introduced in recent years.
Holeshot Devices to Disappear from MotoGP
End of a Technology That Changed Modern Race Starts
The most immediate change concerns front ride-height devices, more commonly referred to as holeshot devices.
MotoGP teams have relied heavily on the technology over the past several seasons to maximise acceleration during race starts.
The systems work by temporarily lowering the front of the motorcycle, reducing wheelies and improving traction when riders launch from the grid. The concept was initially developed to improve starts but later evolved into increasingly sophisticated ride-height systems that could also be used during various phases of a lap.
Since their introduction, holeshot devices have become a standard feature across the MotoGP grid, with manufacturers investing significant resources into their development.
However, the Grand Prix Commission has now confirmed that front ride-height devices will be removed from all MotoGP motorcycles from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix onwards.
The decision follows extensive consultation with manufacturers, teams and riders.
Officials also allowed riders additional practice start sessions to assess race-start procedures without the technology before implementing the ban.
Why MotoGP Is Removing Holeshot Devices
Safety and Cost Reduction Key Factors
The removal of holeshot devices is part of a broader strategy aimed at simplifying MotoGP motorcycles and reducing dependence on increasingly complex technical systems.
Over recent years, concerns have grown regarding the escalating technological arms race among manufacturers.
While the devices undoubtedly improved starts, critics argued that they added complexity, increased costs and shifted focus away from rider skill.
Safety considerations also played a role.
MotoGP has increasingly focused on reducing factors that can contribute to accidents during race starts and opening laps. By removing front ride-height devices, officials hope to create a more natural launch procedure while reducing technical variables that can potentially malfunction.
Many riders have also expressed mixed opinions regarding the systems over the years, with some believing they reduce the traditional challenge of managing wheelspin and acceleration at the start of a race.
The change represents another step in MotoGP’s effort to place greater emphasis on rider ability rather than technological assistance.
Grid Layout Set for Major Safety Upgrade
Increased Space Between Riders from German Grand Prix
Another significant change will affect every category in the Grand Prix paddock.
Beginning with the 2026 German Grand Prix, the starting grid layout will be modified across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.
Currently, the vertical distance between rows of riders is three metres.
Under the revised regulations, that distance will increase to four metres.
While that may appear to be a relatively small adjustment, the impact on overall grid spacing is substantial.
The distance between each three-rider row will grow from nine metres to 12 metres, creating considerably more room between competitors at the start of races.
Importantly, the traditional three-rider-per-row format will remain unchanged.
Why More Grid Space Matters
Officials Looking to Reduce First-Lap Risks
Race starts remain one of the most dangerous moments in motorcycle racing.
With more than 20 riders accelerating simultaneously into the first corner, even minor contact can quickly trigger multi-rider incidents.
The Grand Prix Commission believes increasing the distance between rows will give riders additional reaction time and improve visibility during the crucial opening metres of a race.
The change is particularly relevant in Moto3, where large groups often remain tightly packed throughout the opening laps.
MotoGP officials have spent several years evaluating ways to improve start procedures without fundamentally altering the spectacle of racing.
The revised grid layout represents a practical solution designed to enhance safety while preserving the competitive nature of race starts.
Teams will now have additional space when positioning motorcycles on the grid, while riders should benefit from slightly improved margins during the critical run to Turn 1.
New Manufacturer Limit Approved for 2028
Maximum of Six Bikes Per Brand on the MotoGP Grid
Looking further ahead, the Grand Prix Commission has also confirmed a major structural change regarding manufacturer representation.
From the 2028 MotoGP season, each manufacturer will be limited to a maximum of six motorcycles on the grid.
Under the new rules, manufacturers will effectively be restricted to supplying their factory operation plus a maximum of two satellite teams.
The regulation will only take effect if at least five manufacturers are competing in MotoGP at that time.
Officials believe the measure will help maintain a healthier competitive balance throughout the championship.
What the Six-Bike Rule Means for MotoGP
Encouraging Greater Manufacturer Diversity
In recent years, some manufacturers have benefited from having a large number of motorcycles on the grid.
Additional bikes provide more data, more rider feedback and greater opportunities for development throughout a race weekend.
Ducati, for example, has enjoyed considerable success partly due to the extensive amount of information gathered across multiple teams and riders.
The new regulation is intended to prevent any single manufacturer from gaining an overwhelming numerical advantage.
By limiting manufacturers to six machines, MotoGP hopes to encourage a more balanced distribution of teams and create opportunities for other brands to strengthen their presence within the championship.
The rule could become particularly significant if new manufacturers join the series over the coming years.
MotoGP has already confirmed major technical regulation changes for 2027, including a switch to 850cc engines and reduced aerodynamic performance, and officials are keen to attract additional manufacturers to the championship’s next era.
Part of a Wider Evolution for MotoGP
Championship Continues Preparing for Future Regulations
The latest announcements form part of a broader transformation currently underway in MotoGP.
The championship is approaching one of the biggest technical resets in its history, with sweeping rule changes scheduled for 2027 aimed at improving safety, reducing speeds and creating closer racing.
The removal of holeshot devices, revised grid formations and manufacturer limits align with that wider philosophy.
MotoGP’s governing bodies have increasingly prioritised rider safety, cost control and competitive balance while attempting to preserve the sport’s reputation as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing technology.
As the championship enters a new era, these measures are expected to influence everything from race starts and team strategies to manufacturer involvement and long-term development programmes.
Key MotoGP Rule Changes Confirmed
Effective from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix
- Front ride-height devices (holeshot devices) banned from all MotoGP motorcycles.
Effective from the 2026 German Grand Prix
- Grid spacing increased across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.
- Distance between rider rows increased from three metres to four metres.
- Overall spacing between three-rider rows increased from nine metres to 12 metres.
- Three riders per row remains unchanged.
Effective from the 2028 MotoGP Season
- Maximum of six motorcycles allowed per manufacturer.
- Rule applies only if at least five manufacturers are competing in the championship.
- Manufacturers effectively limited to a factory team plus two satellite teams.
A Significant Shift for the Future of Grand Prix Racing
The Grand Prix Commission’s latest decisions represent far more than simple technical adjustments.
By removing holeshot devices, expanding grid spacing and limiting manufacturer numbers, MotoGP is clearly signalling its vision for the future: a championship that places greater emphasis on rider skill, enhanced safety and competitive equality.
While teams and manufacturers will need time to adapt, these changes could have a lasting impact on how MotoGP racing looks and feels over the coming years.
With major technical reforms already on the horizon, the sport’s next chapter is beginning to take shape long before the new regulations officially arrive.
