MotoGP has entered a new era of safety and competitive fairness with the recent amendments to its injured rider test rules and race start procedures effective immediately.
The changes, effective immediately from the French Grand Prix weekend, are the result of intense debate, lobbying by key stakeholders and the high-profile struggles of reigning world champion Jorge Martin.
The new changes to injured rider test rules and race start procedures are not just a technical update; they represent a fundamental shift in how MotoGP balances rider welfare, sporting integrity, and the relentless pursuit of performance.
The catalyst for these changes was the challenging start to the 2025 season for Jorge Martin who after a violent crash during pre-season testing at Sepang found himself sidelined with multiple injuries.
Martin’s subsequent attempt at a comeback during the Qatar Grand Prix was fraught with difficulties as he struggled to regain the race pace and confidence required at the elite level.
Aprilia’s team principal Massimo Rivola was vocal in his support for a rule change arguing that the existing system forced riders to return to competition without adequate preparation, putting both their safety and the spectacle of MotoGP at risk.
Rivola’s proposal was straightforward: allow injured riders a private test on a MotoGP machine before returning to the intensity of a race weekend, a concept that seemed both logical and overdue given the physical and psychological demands of modern Grand Prix racing.
Initially, the proposal met resistance from rival teams particularly those concerned that such a rule could be exploited for competitive gain. The fear was that a rider of Martin’s caliber given even a single day of focused testing could extract enough performance from Aprilia’s RS-GP to tilt the competitive balance.
However, as the reigning world champion’s absence extended and the physical toll of the season became apparent-not just for him but for other injured riders-the consensus began to shift.
The modern MotoGP format with its sprint races and early qualifying sessions leaves riders with little margin for error. A single crash or setup misstep can derail an entire weekend and returning riders were being asked to perform at the limit without any opportunity to rebuild rhythm or confidence.
The new injured rider test rules now enshrined in the MotoGP regulations allow any permanent rider who has missed three or more consecutive events or at least 45 consecutive days of official competition to undertake a single day of private testing before returning to race action.
This test must be conducted at a circuit that aligns with the manufacturer’s testing concessions or at any track not scheduled to host a MotoGP race within the next eight weeks.
Testing is strictly limited: riders may use no more than three sets of tyres which come from the manufacturer’s existing test allocation and the session is capped at one day.
This approach seeks to strike a delicate balance. On one hand it prioritizes rider safety ensuring that those returning from injury can reacquaint themselves with the unique demands of a MotoGP bike-its ride height devices, aero balance and tire characteristics-without the chaos and pressure of a full race weekend.
On the other it maintains the integrity of the championship by preventing teams from using the rule as a loophole for additional testing or development.
The restriction on circuits and the tyre limit are specifically designed to prevent any undue advantage, while the timing ensures that no team can use the test as a disguised shakedown for an upcoming Grand Prix.
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The immediate impact of the new MotoGP regulations is already being felt. Jorge Martin who has missed the opening rounds of the 2025 season now stands to benefit from a structured and safe return to competition.
But the implications go far beyond any single rider. The rule is a recognition of the realities of modern MotoGP where the physical and mental demands are greater than ever and where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Riders like Miguel Oliveira and others who have faced extended layoffs due to injury will also be able to return with a greater degree of preparation and confidence, reducing the risk of further incidents and ensuring that the championship remains a contest of skill, not survival.
Changes to race start procedures
In parallel with the injured rider testing provision, FIM has also introduced changes to race start procedures and penalties.
Notably, the new MotoGP regulations now clarify that any rider starting the warmup lap from the pitlane may still take their published grid position but will serve a penalty, such as a double long lap for certain infractions.
This aims to standardize procedures and ensure fairness across the grid, addressing ambiguities that have occasionally led to confusion and controversy in the past.
