MotoGP Officially Bans Holeshot Devices Starting Assen Round: Riders React to New Rule
MotoGP has banned the use of holeshot devices starting with the Dutch TT at Circuit Assen, marking a significant shift in how races begin. The rule change, confirmed by the governing body, eliminates electronic aids that previously helped riders achieve faster starts. Marc Márquez has expressed concerns about increased danger, while others like Ai Ogura report minimal impact during practice. The move raises questions about racing dynamics, rider safety, and the future of MotoGP’s start procedures.
Why MotoGP Is Phasing Out Holeshot Devices
The ban on holeshot devices ahead of the Dutch TT (June 13–16 at Circuit Assen) was announced by Dorna Sports. According to official statements, the decision aims to “restore the purity of motorcycle racing” by eliminating electronic aids that artificially accelerate bikes during the initial stages of a race.
Holeshot devices, which use electric motors to boost bikes off the line, have been a contentious topic in MotoGP for years. Critics argue they reduce the importance of rider skill in starts and create an unfair advantage. The ban aligns with broader trends in motorsport to prioritize mechanical parity and driver ability.
Key timeline:
- 2024: Official ban announced for all races starting with the Dutch TT.
- June 13–16: First race under the new rules at Circuit Assen.
How Riders Are Reacting to the Change
Reactions from MotoGP’s top talent vary, reflecting differing opinions on the impact of holeshot devices.
Márquez worries that MotoGP’s Assen round will be more dangerous without the holeshot device.
Márquez has been a vocal critic of holeshot devices, arguing they reduce the strategic depth of starts. His concerns align with those of other riders who see the ban as a return to more traditional racing.
“I didn’t experience any issues during practice without the holeshot device. The bike behaves the same, and the start feels natural.”
Ogura suggests the transition may be smoother than anticipated.
Di Giannantonio admits the new starting method feels intimidating but sees it as part of the sport’s evolution, emphasizing the need to trust in bikes and skills.
Di Giannantonio’s reaction underscores the broader sentiment among riders: while the change is unsettling, it also represents an opportunity to refine skills and adapt to new challenges.
What This Means for Racing Dynamics at Assen
The Dutch TT at Circuit Assen is particularly significant for this rule change. The track’s first corner, Tarzanbocht, is notorious for its tight, high-speed nature, making starts critical. Without holeshot devices, riders will rely more on clutch control, throttle management, and bike balance—skills that have atrophied in recent years.
According to Dorna Sports, the ban is expected to:
- Increase the importance of rider skill in starts, particularly in the first few corners.
- Reduce the gap between riders with and without advanced electronic aids.
- Encourage teams to focus on mechanical and aerodynamic improvements rather than electronic shortcuts.
Track-specific implications: Assen’s long straights and high-speed sections mean that even small differences in starts can translate into significant advantages. Riders who master the new starting technique could gain a psychological edge over competitors still adjusting.
Is the Ban Safer—or More Dangerous?
The safety debate surrounding holeshot devices is central to the rule change. Márquez’s warning about increased danger at Assen reflects concerns that riders may struggle to control their bikes off the line, leading to more collisions in the first few seconds of a race.
However, Dorna Sports and some riders argue that the ban could actually improve safety by:
- Reducing the risk of mechanical failures associated with holeshot devices.
- Encouraging riders to practice starts more carefully, potentially lowering the likelihood of errors.
- Eliminating the “false start” phenomenon, where riders accidentally engage holeshot devices before the race begins.
Data from MotoGP’s safety committee will be closely monitored in the coming rounds to assess whether the ban achieves its intended safety benefits or exacerbates risks.
How This Rule Change Affects the Future of MotoGP
The ban on holeshot devices is part of a broader push by MotoGP to simplify and standardize the sport. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of electronic aids, with similar bans on other devices like traction control in lower classes. This move could set a precedent for future rule changes, particularly in:
- WorldSBK and Moto2/Moto3, where electronic aids are also used.
- Other endurance racing series, where similar debates are ongoing.
For fans, the change could lead to more dramatic and unpredictable starts, with riders relying on raw skill rather than technology. However, it may also require a period of adaptation, as both riders and teams adjust to the new dynamics.
What to watch for in Assen:
- How quickly riders adapt to the new starting procedure.
- Whether the ban leads to more aggressive or conservative starting tactics.
- Any noticeable changes in safety incidents during starts.
Key Questions Answered
1. What exactly is a holeshot device?
A holeshot device is an electronic aid that uses an electric motor to briefly boost a motorcycle’s power during the initial stages of a race, helping riders achieve faster starts. These devices have been used in MotoGP but are now banned.
2. Will this change affect race results?
It’s too early to say definitively, but the ban could lead to more varied starting positions, as riders with different skill levels may perform differently without the aid of holeshot devices. Early races under the new rules will provide clarity.
3. Are other series considering similar bans?
WorldSBK and Moto2/Moto3 have also discussed restricting electronic aids, though no official bans have been announced yet. MotoGP’s move could influence these series to follow suit.
4. How can fans follow the impact of this rule?
Watch the Dutch TT live on official MotoGP broadcasts or platforms like MotoGP.com. Pay close attention to starting sequences and rider reactions in the first few laps.
What do you think about the ban on holeshot devices? Will it make MotoGP more exciting—or more dangerous? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.
Worth a look
