Major MotoGP Rule Revisions Announced: Immediate Changes to Start Procedures, Injured Rider Testing, and Wildcard Limits
May 6, 2025 – Grand Prix Commission Announcement
On May 6, 2025, the Grand Prix Commission officially announced a series of major MotoGP rule changes, all set to take immediate effect during the 2025 season. These amendments span several key areas: stricter start procedures across all Grand Prix classes, special test allowances for injured MotoGP riders, and new wildcard limitations for Moto2 and Moto3.
Stricter Start Procedure for All Classes – Effective Immediately
To streamline protocols and eliminate ambiguity, all riders who leave the grid for any reason before the start must now begin the warm-up lap from the pit lane and receive a standard double long-lap penalty. The previous distinction between technical and weather-related reasons for leaving the grid has been removed.
This also applies to riders who fail to join the grid at all. As per the existing rule, any rider unable to participate in the warm-up lap must start the race from the pit lane. In the MotoGP class, bike changes remain permitted, as each rider has access to two machines.
The existing time delay penalty for pit-lane starts remains unchanged, and the limit of a maximum of ten riders starting from the pit lane is still in effect—this restriction does not apply to the warm-up lap.
Because it’s not realistically possible to determine whether a rider left the grid due to technical issues or strategic changes (such as tire swaps), penalties must now be applied equally to all. This update protects the advantage of riders who choose the right tires while also simplifying the rules for teams, officials, and fans alike.
MotoGP Class: Testing Permission for Injured Riders – Effective Immediately
MotoGP riders who miss multiple events due to injury may now be granted special permission to conduct a test on a MotoGP machine to assist in their physical preparation before returning to competition. This rule is optional and applies only to the MotoGP class.
To qualify, the rider must have missed at least three consecutive events or have been absent from events for a continuous 45-day period during the season. An “event” is defined as any Grand Prix or official test that spans more than one day. Tests conducted on the Monday after a Grand Prix, or single-day post-season tests, are considered part of the previous event.
The eligible test must be conducted at circuits already approved under concession or test allocation rules, and only if no MotoGP Grand Prix is scheduled there later in the same season. Additionally, no tests are allowed within eight weeks of a scheduled race at the same circuit. Tire use is limited to a maximum of three sets drawn from the manufacturer’s test team allocation.
MotoGP: 2027-Spec Motorcycle Testing Ban During 2025 Season
Manufacturers have collectively agreed not to test any 2027-spec motorcycles during the 2025 season. Testing of 2027 bikes will only be permitted after November 17, 2025.
Moto2 and Moto3: Wildcard Entry Limitations Introduced
To encourage riders to pursue full-season entries rather than rely on wildcard appearances, new restrictions have been introduced in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes. Each rider is now limited to three wildcard entries per season. Additionally, each team is capped at a total of three wildcard appearances per season.
(Photo courtesy of Michelin)