The FIM tightens restart procedures in MotoGP after a crash

The FIM has just tightened the rules for restarting motorcycles stopped on the track after a crash. Through a circular published on January 9th, the federation has imposed strict new procedures aimed at strengthening the protection of track marshals, who are often exposed to significant risks when assisting riders at the side of the track.

Therefore, starting with the 2026 season, following a crash or technical incident, any machine with a stalled engine must be immediately removed by marshals behind the "first line of protection" (safety lane or barriers). The text is explicit: "Motorcycles will no longer be able to be restarted on the track or in the run-off areas."We will therefore no longer see one of the marshal teams pushing drivers onto the track to help them restart. This will only be permitted once the car and driver are in a safe location, such as the service lane.

However, if the engine does not stall during the incident, the driver will still be able to return to the track and continue the session. In the event of obvious danger – significant damage or fluid leaks – with the engine running, the marshals will be instructed to clearly signal the driver to stop the machine.

Furthermore, all repairs or adjustments, such as straightening levers or fairings, must be carried out exclusively in a safe location and "Only the driver will be allowed to carry out repairs or adjustments, without any outside assistance other than that of the marshals."

The directive, published following the decisions of the Commissions MotoGP and SBK, will apply to all sessions of all FIM championships in 2026, and is recommended to national federations. As a reminder, the 2026 MotoGP season will begin at the end of the month with the Shakedown at the Sepang circuit (Malaysia). Following these three days of testing, scheduled from January 29 to 31, further testing will be held at the same venue from February 3 to 5.

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