MotoGP Holeshot Ban Doesn't End Ride-Height Start Woes

MotoGP's holeshot device ban hasn't eliminated ride-height issues at race starts, as the British Grand Prix proved. Two front-row starters lost ground due to stuck rear ride-height devices, despite the new regulations.

Polesitter Jorge Martin looked set to lose the lead to eventual winner Raul Fernandez when he ran deep into Turn 1. Ai Ogura, also on an Aprilia, suffered a similar issue and tumbled down the order. Replays showed the rear of their bikes dragging on the asphalt, indicating the ride-height device failed to disengage. Both managed to free the devices, with Martin recovering to finish second behind Fernandez, while Ogura crashed out later.

Silverstone marked only the second weekend since MotoGP banned the front holeshot device, following the crash-filled Catalan GP. However, all bikes still feature a rear ride-height device, primarily used for acceleration out of slow corners but also deployed at the start. It was this rear device that caused problems for both riders.

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In the past, complaints often centered on devices refusing to disengage despite brake pressure. But at Silverstone, both Martin and Ogura accepted responsibility for their poor starts. "I didn't start really well – Raul started much better than me," said Martin. "I went into the first corner, I just wanted to keep the first position and I didn't brake enough, so my rear device didn't come back. It was more my mistake."

Ogura, who recovered from his poor start, stated the issue wasn't dangerous. "I was just adapting to them, and I forgot to brake hard enough to unlock the rear. I lost a couple of positions, but nothing scary. I just couldn't lean like usual," he explained.

The incidents highlight that riders may continue facing ride-height problems until the devices are fully banned in 2027 with the advent of the 850cc era. While the Sachsenring regulation specifically targeted front holeshot devices, some riders have called for an earlier ban on rear devices, which are used repeatedly through the lap. To reduce risk, MotoGP has also increased grid spacing from three to four meters starting with the German GP.