Diogo Moreira believes that MotoGP’s current start devices contributed to the heightened risk of crashes in the first corner at the Hungary MotoGP this weekend.
After a dramatic turn one incident—blamed by Aprilia Racing’s CEO Massimo Rivola on a braking mistake by Jorge Martin—Moreira offered a different perspective. He argues that the start devices, which are slated for removal in 2027, make it even harder for riders to slow down for turn one after the start.
“It’s always difficult to stop the bike in turn one here, and also it’s even worse with the device,” Moreira explained. “I saw Martin lock the front, release the brakes a bit—these things can just happen. Luckily, everyone seemed okay after the crash.”
Moreira admitted he changed his own approach in response to the device’s impact:
“Today, I was smoother in turn one. Yesterday in the Sprint, I braked super late, but today I told myself, ‘Just get through turn one, then start racing.’ Still, I forgot to disengage the front device and lost positions after turn four.”
Tyre choice also played a role in Moreira’s race. He opted for the medium rear tyre—the same compound Marc Marquez used to win—but felt the soft might have suited him better.
“I think I made the wrong decision with the rear tire, but we finished the race and the pace wasn’t so bad,” he said.
With start devices set to be banned in 2027, Moreira’s comments highlight ongoing rider concerns about safety and control, especially during hectic race starts.
