Following the chaotic pre-race situation at COTA involving Marc Marquez and several other riders, MotoGP’s Race Direction has clarified and simplified the rules regarding grid departures and pitlane returns.
At the Circuit of the Americas, Marquez led a group of riders back to the pits to change bikes, resulting in a delayed and confused start. Misinterpreting the rules, Marquez assumed avoiding a delayed start would spare him from a double long lap penalty, even if he started from the back of the grid. This confusion has now prompted an immediate rule change.
Race Director Mike Webb explained that the previous regulations were overly complex, requiring race officials to identify tyre choices, bike changes, and warm-up laps. The updated rule—starting with the French GP at Le Mans—removes all of that complexity.
Now, any rider who leaves the grid or fails to reach it when the pitlane opens will:
- Start the warm-up lap from pitlane
- Reclaim their original grid position
- Serve a double long lap penalty, regardless of the reason
Webb emphasized, “It doesn’t matter which bike, which tyres, or settings. The same penalty applies, no exceptions.”
This change also affects Moto3 and Moto2, despite their single-bike format. The rule is designed to avoid confusion and ensure consistent penalties across all classes.
Additionally, the MotoGP rulebook has been updated with a clause concerning injured riders and when they are allowed to resume testing before competing again.
