MotoGP bans controversial device effective immediately

MotoGP has banned its controversial holeshot device.

The controversial holeshot device has been on the chopping block for a while but has been brought forward amid pressure within the paddock.

Holeshot devices became prominent in 2018, allowing bikes to squat and prevent the bike from going into a wheelie.

The changes come in reaction to a spate of accidents during race starts that have left riders injured and unable to compete.

The ban will come into effect at the upcoming Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Assen on June 26-28.

MotoGP has also announced changes to the grid spacing in a bid to increase safety during race starts.

Beginning at the Grand Prix of Germany in Sachsenring on July 10-12, vertical spacing will be increased from three metres to four metres.

In total, that will extend the distance between each three-rider row from nine to 12 metres.

Another move by the FIM has significant implications for the make-up of the grid with confirmation that each manufacturer may only field six bikes, including its factory team.

Ducati has already met that threshold, supplying Gresini and VR46 on top of its factory squad.

Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha and Honda each currently field four bikes full-time in the championship.

The moves were approved by the FIM Grand Prix Commission on Monday.