MotoGP set to test F1-style grid spacing in Hungary?

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https://www.crash.net/sites/default/files/2026-06/gng_1319049_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&aspect_ratio=16:9″]

MotoGP set to test F1-style grid spacing in Hungary?

MotoGP is reportedly set to evaluate a Formula 1-style starting grid as part of ongoing safety discussions.

Grid, 2026 Italian MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose
Add as a preferred source

MotoGP could trial a revised Formula 1-style starting grid at Balaton Park on Saturday evening.

According to Sky Italia, the proposed layout will feature two riders per row rather than the current three-rider formation.

Increased grid spacing was among the proposals to improve safety following nasty accidents in Catalunya for Alex Marquez and then, on the restart, Johann Zarco.

Four riders per row, 2023 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose

“There are things to improve on, that we’ve started to consider with the teams,” MotoGP SEG’s chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta said at Mugello.

“One being the grid itself. If there’s a consideration to be taken over basically leaving more space between the riders so they have more room to manoeuvre going into turn one.”

MotoGP reduced its starting formation from four riders per row to three in 2004. However, the smaller grand prix classes didn’t follow suit until 2011.

Three riders per row, 2024 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose

One consequence of a ‘narrower’ grid would be an even greater emphasis on qualifying, which dictates two grids per weekend since the addition of Sprints.

Other proposals to improve safety in the aftermath of Catalunya involve the early removal of holeshot devices (already banned for 2027), additional protection around the rear wheel and swingarm area, plus the introduction of MotoGP’s Crash Warning System.

In this article

MotoGP

Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter

Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox

MotoGP is reportedly set to evaluate a Formula 1-style starting grid as part of ongoing safety discussions.

MotoGP could trial a revised Formula 1-style starting grid at Balaton Park on Saturday evening.

According to Sky Italia, the proposed layout will feature two riders per row rather than the current three-rider formation.

Increased grid spacing was among the proposals to improve safety following nasty accidents in Catalunya for Alex Marquez and then, on the restart, Johann Zarco.

Four riders per row, 2023 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose

“There are things to improve on, that we’ve started to consider with the teams,” MotoGP SEG’s chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta said at Mugello.

“One being the grid itself. If there’s a consideration to be taken over basically leaving more space between the riders so they have more room to manoeuvre going into turn one.”

MotoGP reduced its starting formation from four riders per row to three in 2004. However, the smaller grand prix classes didn’t follow suit until 2011.

Three riders per row, 2024 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose

One consequence of a ‘narrower’ grid would be an even greater emphasis on qualifying, which dictates two grids per weekend since the addition of Sprints.

Other proposals to improve safety in the aftermath of Catalunya involve the early removal of holeshot devices (already banned for 2027), additional protection around the rear wheel and swingarm area, plus the introduction of MotoGP’s Crash Warning System.

MotoGP could trial a revised Formula 1-style starting grid at Balaton Park on Saturday evening.

According to Sky Italia, the proposed layout will feature two riders per row rather than the current three-rider formation.

Increased grid spacing was among the proposals to improve safety following nasty accidents in Catalunya for Alex Marquez and then, on the restart, Johann Zarco.

Four riders per row, 2023 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose

“There are things to improve on, that we’ve started to consider with the teams,” MotoGP SEG’s chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta said at Mugello.

“One being the grid itself. If there’s a consideration to be taken over basically leaving more space between the riders so they have more room to manoeuvre going into turn one.”

MotoGP reduced its starting formation from four riders per row to three in 2004. However, the smaller grand prix classes didn’t follow suit until 2011.

Three riders per row, 2024 Spanish MotoGP.
© Gold & Goose

One consequence of a ‘narrower’ grid would be an even greater emphasis on qualifying, which dictates two grids per weekend since the addition of Sprints.

Other proposals to improve safety in the aftermath of Catalunya involve the early removal of holeshot devices (already banned for 2027), additional protection around the rear wheel and swingarm area, plus the introduction of MotoGP’s Crash Warning System.

[analyse_source url=”http://crash.net/motogp/news/1097169/1/motogp-test-f1-style-grid-spacing-hungary”]


Analyse


Post not analysed yet. Do the magic.