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MotoGP Widens Three‑Across Grid to Curb Startline Crashes

Increasing slot offsets and row gaps aims to reduce collisions as organisers monitor effects on overtaking.

Overview

  • The revised grid, introduced Saturday at the Sachsenring sprint, keeps three riders per row but increases the vertical offset from 3 metres to 4 metres and the distance between rows from 9 metres to 12 metres.
  • Organisers say the change responds to recent serious opening‑corner incidents, including major crashes at the Catalan and Hungarian rounds.
  • Riders reported the first start under the new layout was remarkably tidy and safer, with several saying the extra space cut the risk of multi‑bike collisions.
  • Many riders warned the wider spacing reduces early overtaking and makes strong starters less able to gain multiple positions off the line.
  • The tweak is part of a wider startline safety package that also included a ban on front holeshot devices at Assen, and officials plan to monitor results across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 before considering further changes.