MotoGP riders allowed to test bikes after injury layoffs

06 May 2025 - 17:13 By Reuters
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
MotoGP riders who have been injured and missed races will be able to conduct tests with their bikes to help their preparations to return to action, the sport's premier class said on Tuesday.
MotoGP riders who have been injured and missed races will be able to conduct tests with their bikes to help their preparations to return to action, the sport's premier class said on Tuesday.
Image: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images

MotoGP riders who have been injured and missed races will be able to conduct tests on their bikes to help their preparations to return to action, the sport's premier class said on Tuesday.

Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin was unable to test his bike with his new team Aprilia Racing this year after recovering from a preseason injury.

“To be given this provision, a rider must have missed three or more consecutive events or have not been able to participate in events for at least 45 consecutive days during the season,” MotoGP said.

In another rule change, riders leaving or not joining the grid will be handed penalties.

At the Americas MotoGP in March, there was chaos when the sun came out and riders who had opted for wet tyres sprinted back to the pits to swap their bikes, leading to a red flag.

“Effective immediately, in all classes, if a rider leaves the grid for any reason they must start the warm up lap from the pit lane, take their original grid position and serve a standard double long lap penalty,” MotoGP said.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.