JAKARTA - The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has officially implemented major changes to the rules for restarting motorcycles in MotoGP and World Superbike (WorldSBK) starting from the 2026 season.
In this latest regulation, drivers are no longer allowed to restart their motorcycles on the track or run-off area after an accident.
Previously, riders were still allowed to try to restart the bike in the run-off area if the engine died due to an incident. However, the FIM considers this practice to be high risk to safety, especially for track marshals who must be in the area while the session is still taking place.
Through the new rules, the FIM requires that a motorcycle that dies after an accident must first be moved behind the track barrier, specifically to the service road or other safe area, before the restart process is carried out.
"After an accident or technical problem, any bike that cannot be started on the track or run-off area must immediately be moved behind the first safety line by the marshal."
"The bike must not be restarted on the track or run-off area. The bike must be moved to the service road (or to a safe and protected place if there is no service road), where assistance for the restart can be provided," wrote the FIM in its official letter quoted from Crash, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
However, the rider is still allowed to return to the track after the motorcycle is successfully turned on, as long as the condition of the motorcycle is considered safe to use.
The FIM also emphasized that marshals have the right to prohibit motorcycles from continuing the race if potential dangers are found, such as liquid leaks or technical damage.
In WorldSBK, the implementation of this rule is adjusted to the type of session. In practice and Superpole sessions, riders are still allowed to drive the bike back to the pit via the track because WorldSBK regulations prohibit riders from starting a new lap after falling in a non-race session.
Meanwhile, during the race, WorldSBK riders can continue the race without having to enter the pit. Similar provisions also apply in MotoGP, although the process of restarting the motor must still be carried out behind the track barriers.
The FIM also emphasized that if the bike is still on after the incident, the rider is still allowed to continue the race. However, the final decision is still in the hands of the track marshals to maintain safety.
"The main reason is to minimize the risks faced by the track marshal," said the FIM.
This rule change is the result of the decision of the Grand Prix Commission and the SBK Commission. The regulation not only applies to MotoGP and WorldSBK, but also to all circuit racing championships under the auspices of the FIM, including the FIM Endurance World Championship.
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