MotoGP’s latest regulation change—banning front start devices—could play into the hands of rookies like Diogo Moreira, who sees the new rule as a potential advantage in his debut season.
Since 2019, teams have relied on start devices that lock the suspension to reduce wheelies and boost launch performance. However, starting with this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, front start devices are no longer allowed, a move aimed at improving safety after several high-profile incidents.
For Moreira, who graduated to MotoGP after winning the Moto2 title last season, the change is welcome. Moto2 bikes do not use such devices, making the transition more natural for him.
“We need to play with the clutch and rear brakes, so for me coming from Moto2 it’s good,” said the LCR Honda rookie. “In Moto2, we don’t have anti-wheelie or these controls. So for me, it’s not a big difference. The data shows we’re quite okay, so it should be good.”
Moreira has already shown promising pace, earning a second-row start at Brno. While he struggled with grip issues on Friday at Assen, he remains upbeat about adapting quickly to the new start routine.
Fellow rookie Toprak Razgatlioglu also supports the front device ban, citing increased safety:
“It’s more safe,” he said. Razgatlioglu prefers starting with the rear device still engaged, noting it offers better balance than starting with no device at all.
With the front start devices gone, rookies who cut their teeth in Moto2 or similar categories might find themselves on more even footing with the veterans—making race starts less about tech and more about skill.
