Current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez and his Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia have expressed support for the upcoming changes to MotoGP’s bike restart regulations set for 2026. The new rules, aimed at reducing the risk to track marshals, will prohibit riders from restarting their motorcycles on the track or in run-off zones following a crash. Instead, if the engine stalls, the bike must be moved to a service road before it can be restarted.
While this change will lengthen the time a fallen rider needs to get back in the race, some argue it could expose marshals to risk for a longer period when they assist in moving the bike off the track, compared to a quick restart where the bike is pushed on the spot. Nevertheless, the rule will eliminate instances where riders stubbornly try to restart their bikes multiple times at the track edge, potentially creating dangerous situations.
The rule only applies if the engine is stopped; if a rider keeps the engine running after a fall, they may rejoin the race as before. Marquez agrees, stating this change promotes safety and clarifies the protocol for riders whose bikes stall during a crash. He recalled being angered last year when marshals nearly knocked him off his bike during a practice crash, highlighting the importance of clear and safer rules.
Bagnaia also supports the new regulation, noting that maintaining engine power after a crash will become crucial for riders. He admitted he needs to improve his technique to avoid engine stalls, unlike Marquez, who has managed to restart and recover points after crashes. This rule may also prompt teams to develop better anti-stall technologies, though they must weigh that against potential engine damage.
Fan Take: This rule change is a significant safety upgrade that shows MotoGP’s commitment to protecting not just riders but also track marshals. For racing fans, it means more strategic racing where riders and teams must focus on bike control and engineering to keep engines running in crashes—potentially making the sport even more thrilling and tactical.
