MotoGP to widen grid spacing from Germany

MotoGP will increase the distance between grid rows starting from the German Grand Prix, following agreement between teams and the MSMA after the multi‑bike crash at Montmeló that left Johann Zarco injured. The incident, caused by a high‑speed chain reaction at turn one, prompted urgent discussions with the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group to reduce congestion during race starts, the phase where most accidents occur.

From Sachsenring on 12 June, each grid row will be spaced four metres further apart. A second step is planned for August at Silverstone, where the use of start‑only ride‑height devices is expected to be banned, accelerating a rule already scheduled for 2027. Teams will test the new layout at Brno before formal approval by the Grand Prix Commission, considered a formality given broad consensus.

Sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta acknowledged the scale of the change but stressed its necessity, as MotoGP prioritises safety while adapting circuits and procedures.