Diogo Moreira Says New MotoGP Start Rule Can Help Rookies

Diogo Moreira believes MotoGP's ban on front holeshot devices could benefit rookie riders by making race starts closer to what they experienced in Moto2.

Since 2019, MotoGP manufacturers have used suspension-locking start devices to reduce wheelies and allow riders to apply more power off the grid. From the 2026 Dutch MotoGP at Assen, however, the front device has been banned early on safety grounds.

For Moreira, the change makes the launch process feel less unfamiliar. The LCR Honda rider graduated from Moto2, where riders do not have similar anti-wheelie controls, leaving them to manage the clutch and rear brake more directly during starts.

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"We need to play with the clutch, also with the rear brakes, so at the end coming from Moto2 for me is good. Because in Moto2 we don't have this anti-wheelie and these controls on the bike," said Moreira.

Toprak Razgatlioglu also welcomed the front device ban from a safety perspective. He said starting with the rear device still engaged is easier than launching without any device at all, as he experienced during Yamaha's 850cc test at Brno.

The rule change adds another adaptation factor to the Dutch MotoGP weekend. While experienced riders still hold an advantage in managing race-start situations, rookies such as Moreira may find a small opportunity as one of MotoGP's most specialised launch tools is removed.