Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has urged MotoGP to review its regulations following a dramatic and controversial Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona that featured multiple heavy crashes, two red flags and repeated race restarts.
The race weekend turned chaotic after KTM rider Pedro Acosta suffered a sudden technical failure while leading the opening race. Moments later, Alex Marquez slammed into the slowing bike in a violent accident that brought out the first red flag.
Despite the incident, Acosta was allowed to return for the restarted race after making it back to the pits, a decision Rivola believes exposed a weakness in the current rulebook.
Rivola argued that any rider directly involved in causing a red flag, even through mechanical failure rather than rider error, should not be eligible to restart. He stressed that the current system could create unfair or unsafe situations and said MotoGP officials should carefully reassess the regulations.
The Barcelona event became even more alarming after Johann Zarco was caught in another major crash during a subsequent restart at Turn 1, adding to concerns over whether the race should have continued. Several riders later questioned the safety of having multiple restarts after such serious incidents.
Rivola also highlighted the wider safety concerns exposed during the weekend, calling attention to the physical risks riders face every lap. The Aprilia boss said the events in Barcelona should act as a wake-up call for MotoGP to modernise parts of its sporting regulations and better protect competitors.
The controversy has reignited debate across the paddock and among fans, with many questioning whether current restart procedures remain suitable for modern MotoGP. Online discussions following the race also saw widespread criticism over the decision to continue racing after multiple frightening crashes.
MotoGP had already introduced new restart-related measures for 2026 aimed at improving safety after crashes and technical stoppages. However, the incidents in Barcelona have intensified calls for further changes as the championship continues balancing competition with rider welfare.
