MotoGP has its own dense vocabulary spanning technical devices, penalties and crash terminology. Here are the terms a new fan will run into most often, defined plainly — including the holeshot device ban that took effect partway through 2026.
Holeshot device
A single-use system, engaged only at the race start, that lowers the bike more than a ride-height device to sharpen acceleration off the line. MotoGP banned holeshot devices starting 24 June 2026, so current bikes no longer run them.
Ride-height device
A rear-lowering device a rider can activate repeatedly through a race, giving a lower center of gravity and more stable acceleration out of slow corners onto a following straight. Still legal in 2026, but scheduled for a full ban from 2027.
Long lap penalty
A penalty requiring a rider to complete a designated, longer alternate route through part of the track — a time-cost punishment for a rules infringement, served during the race rather than after it.
Concession points
A separate system (unrelated to championship points) allocating extra testing days, engine development freedom and wildcard entries to manufacturers based on competitiveness — struggling or newly-entering manufacturers get more concessions to help them catch up.
Wildcard entry
A one-off entry into a Grand Prix by a rider or team not competing in the full championship season, often used by a manufacturer's test rider or a rising junior-class talent.
Q1 / Q2
MotoGP's two-part knockout qualifying format. Q1 runs first among the slower group from practice, with the fastest advancing into Q2 alongside the practice pace-setters to fight for pole.
Flag-to-flag race
A race where changing weather conditions allow riders to pit and swap to a second bike set up for different conditions (wet or dry) without being forced to complete the full race distance on unsuitable tires.
Highside
A violent crash where a sliding rear tire suddenly regains grip, catapulting the rider over the top of the bike — generally far more dangerous than a lowside crash.
Lowside
A crash where the bike simply slides out from under the rider, usually from a loss of front or rear grip, typically far less violent than a highside.
Factory team vs independent team
A factory team is run directly by a manufacturer with its newest equipment; an independent (satellite) team leases machinery from a manufacturer, often running a season or so behind the factory squad's latest specification.
Warm-up lap
The lap from the grid back to the grid immediately before the race start, used to bring tires and brakes up to operating temperature.
For the full technical and sporting picture these terms fit into, see our complete guide to MotoGP.
Frequently asked questions
Is the holeshot device still legal in MotoGP?
No — MotoGP banned holeshot devices starting 24 June 2026. Ride-height devices remain legal for now but are scheduled for a full ban starting in 2027.
What is a long lap penalty in MotoGP?
A penalty requiring a rider to complete a designated, longer alternate route through part of the track during the race itself, as punishment for a rules infringement.
What are MotoGP concession points?
A system separate from championship points that allocates extra testing, engine development and wildcard entries to manufacturers based on how competitive they've been, helping struggling or new manufacturers catch up.
What's the difference between a highside and a lowside crash?
A lowside is the bike simply sliding out from under the rider, usually less violent. A highside is when a sliding rear tire suddenly regains grip and catapults the rider over the bike — generally far more dangerous.
What is a flag-to-flag race in MotoGP?
A race where changing weather allows riders to pit and swap to a second bike set up for different conditions, rather than being forced to complete the full distance on unsuitable tires.
What's the difference between a factory team and an independent team in MotoGP?
A factory team is run directly by a manufacturer with its newest equipment. An independent (satellite) team leases machinery from a manufacturer, often running a season or so behind the factory squad's latest specification.
Sources
Jack has been a motorcycle racing enthusiast for as long as he can remember. For CNMOTOS, he covers everything from MotoGP and World Superbike to drag racing and the sport's more niche corners, like sidecar and three-wheel racing.
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