Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP officials are set to test a new starting grid format at Brno next weekend in an effort to address the recent safety concerns.
Zarco injured his knee at the Catalan Grand Prix in one of the most brutal crashes in recent memory. In the aftermath of the situation, there were several conversations about safety in MotoGP.
While the decision to ban holeshot devices came too late, it was a sign that MotoGP officials are finally considering taking serious steps to protect the safety of the riders.
What are your thoughts on MotoGP’s latest safety rule change?
In addition to the ride-height device restrictions, grid rows will be spaced out by an extra three metres
But these changes alone might not be enough to ensure rider safety, especially after Jorge Martin’s crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend.
One of the recent developments on this matter has been MotoGP teams agreeing to increase grid separation between riders. But perhaps we could see Liberty Media’s influence in how this change plays out.
READ MORE: MotoGP fans think Jorge Martin deserved a race ban for Hungarian Grand Prix start crash
MotoGP officials set to test Formula 1-style two-rider grids ahead of Czech Republic Grand Prix
According to Giorgio Burreddu of La Gazzetta dello Sport, MotoGP officials will test out a two-by-two rider grid setup at Brno ahead of the Czech Republic Grand Prix.
This test on June 21st could pave the way for a permanent change to be made by July 12th, in time for the German Grand Prix in Sachsenring.
According to Carmelo Ezpeleta, who confirmed this test idea in Mugello, this decision is likely to have a very significant impact on MotoGP.
“We are studying a different starting layout with more space between the riders… Changing the grid is a very, very big change in the championship and sometimes, given the distance between the starting line and the last corner, more significant changes should be made to the circuits.”
Many fans might see this approach as Liberty Media trying to replicate ‘F1-ise’ MotoGP yet again, something that has been a significant complaint since their takeover.
However, if the decision does lead to improved safety, it might be a decision that ultimately goes down well among riders and fans.
READ MORE: Liberty Media decision to remove Hungary from 2027 calendar just saved one MotoGP track
Which track should replace Balaton Park on next year’s calendar?
MotoGP riders face several obstacles in their effort to try and improve safety conditions
One of the biggest impediments to the riders in their quest to try and push for improved safety conditions is the lack of a MotoGP riders’ union.
Ezpeleta has long pushed against unionisation, and this has led to the riders having to fend for themselves on an individual level.
Until riders form a union, they are unlikely to hold the kind of leverage needed to try and implement changes that they know will work.
The riders’ perspective doesn’t get as much attention from the higher ups in part due to the lack of a union, as they can’t present their thoughts as a collective.
Hopefully, in the coming few years, MotoGP riders can finally unionise and assert some power and pressure on higher-ups on these matters.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
