Official: Front ride-height devices banned in MotoGP

However, rear ride-height devices, as well as both front and rear holeshot systems (used only at the start of a race) will remain legal.

At present, only Ducati is known to have a front ride-height device that can lower alongside the rear on corner exit with rival manufacturers making their opposition clear.

'During the meeting of the Commission held in Lusail on 4 March 2022 the Grand Prix Commission delegates were asked to consider two alternative proposals on this (ride height devices) matter,' read a statement from the Grand Prix Commission.

'Both had the objective of preventing further performance improvements and development cost increases. After consideration of the proposals the following regulation was approved unanimously.

'The use of any device that modifies or adjusts the motorcycle’s front ride height while it is moving is forbidden.

'The decision of the Technical Director will be final when determining what constitutes a front ride height device; devices that only operate one-shot at the race start (i.e. “holeshot” devices) are allowed.'

Ride height/holeshot devices allow for greater acceleration by lowering the centre of gravity and therefore reducing wheelies. The smaller frontal area also reduces drag on the straights.

Due to MotoGP's long-standing ban on electronic suspension, both systems must work using only mechanical and hydraulic components, triggered by the rider.

While holeshot devices are enabled on the grid and then disabled by the braking forces at the first corner, the repeatable ride-height devices are more complicated.

Pioneered by Ducati, the most advanced systems are triggered by the rider pressing a button on the way into a corner, with the bike then lowering automatically on the exit. 

Both holeshot and ride-height systems share much of the same hardware, but the static nature of a race start means the bikes can be dropped to a lower level than when the ride-height device is used at speed.

Ducati's new front ride-height system being used by Johann Zarco at the Sepang MotoGP test.