MotoGP is gearing up for a potential shake-up at some of the calendar's most iconic circuits, with race direction proposing a ban on ride-height devices at the starts of races at Silverstone and Phillip Island. The move, sparked by rider safety concerns, could reshape how the world's fastest riders launch into the first corner.

The proposal emerged from a heated Safety Commission meeting during the French Grand Prix weekend at Le Mans, where riders voiced serious worries about the risks posed by front and rear ride-height systems on certain track layouts. Le Mans, Silverstone, and Phillip Island were singled out as trouble spots—all three feature high-speed approaches to Turn 1, where the corner is fast and sweeping rather than tight. This combination, riders argued, creates dangerous trajectories that could lead to pile-ups right from the start.

Race direction responded by asking teams to vote on banning the devices for both sprint and main race starts at these circuits. In a note seen by Motorsport, officials stated: "It has been identified that the use of these devices at these particular circuits represents a significant safety risk for riders, specifically in relation to rider trajectory into Turn 1 during starts."

While the proposal won't take effect at this weekend's French Grand Prix—teams' feedback led to a quick decision to keep things as is—the conversation is far from over. The ban remains on the table for Silverstone in August and Phillip Island in October, with further discussions planned. If approved, it would offer a preview of the simpler start procedures set to become standard from next year, marking a potential shift in MotoGP's technical landscape.