Considered A Danger To Rider Safety, Ride Height Devices Are Prohibited In MotoGP Next Season

MotoGP Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The use of "ride height devices" to adjust the height of MotoGP motorbikes will be prohibited for the 2023 competition season following the decision of the Grand Prix Commission regarding the safety aspects of the riders.

The device, the first to be tested by Ducati, allows riders to lower the front of their bikes while cornering in order to go even faster when exiting corners.

However, the device also increased top speed to dangerous levels, which was then protested by world champions Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir and Marc Marquez.

"The delegation of the Grand Prix Commission was asked to consider two alternative proposals related to this issue. Both have the aim of preventing an increase in costs for repair and performance development," said the commission's official statement on Tuesday, quoted by Antara from the official MotoGP website.

"After considering the proposal, the following regulations were unanimously approved. The use of any device that changes or adjusts the height of the front of the motorcycle while in motion is prohibited."

However, the holeshot device, namely the front and rear height adjustment device, which is used at the start will still be able to be used.

This device helps lower the bike's center of gravity and helps riders prevent wheelie, or front tires from lifting, and accelerate faster on the track at start.

MotoGP has long banned the use of electronic suspension, therefore both height-adjusting devices must use hydraulic and mechanical components set by the riders.

The holeshot device is activated on the grid and then deactivated by braking force as the driver advances towards the first corner.

While the "ride height device" is more complicated because it can be turned on by pressing a button when the driver is driving around a corner, allowing the vehicle's height to decrease automatically when exiting the corner.