P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The FIM has announced a change to rules regarding restarting stopped motorcycles for the 2026 MotoGP season.
The FIM has recently announced a significant change for MotoGP and WorldSBK, stating that riders will no longer be allowed to restart their bikes from the trackside after a crash starting from the 2026 season.
Previously, riders were permitted to try to restart their bikes in the run-off area post-crash; however, this was deemed potentially hazardous as it posed risks to marshals and other riders during live sessions.
The new directive mandates that any attempts to restart a stalled bike after a crash must occur behind the trackside barriers on the service road, allowing riders to safely rejoin the track from there.
For World Superbike practice and Superpole sessions, riders can ride back to the pits on the track, as they cannot start a new lap after a crash in these non-race sessions.
In MotoGP, riders are still allowed to continue in the session post-crash but must restart behind the trackside barriers to enhance safety for all involved.
This regulation change stems from decisions by the Grand Prix and SBK Commissions, with the FIM emphasizing safety for marshals and prompting national federations to adopt the new protocol for various FIM-sanctioned championships.
