Jack Miller has called for MotoGP's start devices to be removed following the multi-rider crash that disrupted the opening lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park.
The Pramac Yamaha rider believes the technology contributed to the Turn 1 incident involving Jorge Martin, which eliminated several riders and significantly affected the outcome of the race. While Aprilia management attributed the crash to rider error, Miller argued that the underlying issue lies with the devices used to lower motorcycles during starts and accelerate off the line.
Martin lost control under braking into the first corner, triggering a chain-reaction collision that took out multiple riders. Miller, who witnessed the accident unfold directly ahead of him, believes the difficulty of disengaging the start device played a key role in the incident.
According to Miller, riders are forced into unnatural braking techniques to release the front ride-height system, particularly at circuits where grip levels are low. He argued that the situation was made even more challenging by the newly resurfaced asphalt at Turn 1, which many riders had already raised concerns about throughout the weekend.
Source: The Race
The Australian suggested that removing the devices altogether would place every rider on equal footing while reducing the risk of accidents caused by bikes arriving at corners at higher speeds and under more complicated braking conditions. He believes the technology is creating unnecessary hazards, particularly at the start of races when riders are packed closely together.
Miller also pointed to previous first-corner incidents as evidence that the issue is not isolated. In his view, MotoGP's current start systems are allowing bikes to carry significantly more speed into braking zones, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and collisions.
Beyond the crash itself, Miller highlighted concerns over the resurfacing work carried out at Balaton Park's first corner. Riders were reportedly unaware that the section had been repaved shortly before the event, leaving little time for the asphalt to fully settle and provide optimal grip. Several competitors noted the unusual conditions throughout the weekend.
Despite the controversy, Miller remains open to MotoGP returning to Balaton Park in the future. He believes the circuit is generally safe and offers a different challenge compared to more familiar venues on the calendar, although he expects the grip issues at Turn 1 to improve as the surface ages.
The debate surrounding ride-height and start devices has intensified in recent seasons, with riders and teams divided on whether the performance benefits outweigh the added complexity. Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Miller has become one of the strongest voices calling for a reassessment of the technology before another major accident occurs.
