MotoGP tweaks jump start penalty rules from 2020

MotoGP jump start penalties will change from a pit lane ride throughs to two long lap penalties in 2020.

Following three high-profile jump start incidents earlier this season, MotoGP will change the penalty rules from next year across all classes swapping the ride through penalty for two long lap penalties.

The long lap penalty was introduced at the start of this season, which sees riders penalised take a designated route around a corner or section of the circuit which is longer than the racing line. Theoretically, it penalises riders between three and five seconds over a single lap.

From 2020 any rider who is judged to have jump started will now need to complete two long laps within five laps of being notified of the penalty.

Earlier this year Crutchlow slammed a ride through penalty after being judged to have jump started at the Argentina MotoGP, while at the next round in Austin both Maverick Vinales and Joan Mir were also given ride through penalties for jump starts. Vinales mistakenly took a long lap penalty for his jump start at the Circuit of the Americas.

The rule change was confirmed following the latest FIM Grand Prix Commission meeting which took place during the Austrian MotoGP at the Red Bull Ring.

Further rule changes include any rider who is shown the black flag with orange disc must be given official authorisation to return to the track after stopping.

In Moto2 and Moto3, riders progressing from Qualifying 1 to Qualifying 2 will be given an additional front tyre, having already been given an extra rear tyre for progressing through the session, which will come in from the British round this season.

A final rule tweak confirmed is knee sliders with added metal studs have been outlawed over safety concerns with the sliders causing sparks which could disturb other riders.