In a decisive move, the MotoGP Grand Prix Commission has codified the “Marquez rule,” obligating riders to stay within both white lines when entering the pit lane, eliminating any ambiguity that existed after the Spanish Grand Prix sprint.
What triggered the amendment?
During the Jerez sprint, rain‑soaked Marc Márquez crashed on the final corner while leading, then entered the pit lane by crossing the solid outer white line to swap bikes under flag‑to‑flag conditions. The maneuver secured his second win of the season, yet it sparked controversy because the weekend’s race‑director notes only prohibited crossing the inner solid line.
Because Márquez let the riders ahead clear the pit entry first, stewards refrained from penalising him, but the incident highlighted a regulatory gap that race control had not fully addressed.
Commission’s formal adoption
At a meeting in Balaton Park, the governing body—comprising Paul Duparc (FIM), Mike Webb (IRTA), Biense Bierma (MSMA), Carmelo Ezpeleta (MotoGP SEG), and overseen by FIM President Jorge Viegas—announced that the pit‑lane entry procedures are now explicitly defined in the technical regulations.
According to the new circular, “the only permitted entry and exit to the pit lane is via the designated entry/exit point and route, defined by the broken white line.” Any deviation, including crossing a solid white line or failing to use the entire entry lane, may attract stewards’ penalties.
Effect on upcoming events
The clarification was first applied at the French Grand Prix, where riders were reminded to respect both white lines even at the cost of lost time. Although the wording does not yet appear in the core rulebook, it will become binding from the Hungarian Grand Prix onward.
Teams now face a clear procedural requirement, and riders must adjust their pit‑lane approach to avoid sanctions that could alter championship standings.
With the regulation firmly in place, the paddock can expect tighter compliance and fewer loopholes as the season progresses.
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