The red flag does not create one universal restart
The FIM Race Director may stop a race for urgent safety reasons or force majeure. What happens next depends on how far the leader and the race have progressed. The regulations use two thresholds—two completed laps and 51% of race time—to separate three procedures.
Before two laps means a complete restart
If the leader has not completed two laps, the race receives a complete restart. Riders return to the waiting zone or Skybox and restart as soon as possible. They may not change motorcycles, and no reserve rider is introduced. Only riders still on track or involved in the incident can return; anyone already back in the paddock is excluded.
From two laps to 51% preserves the running order
If the stoppage comes after two laps but before 51% of race time has elapsed, MXGP, MX2, WMX and MXoN use a restart from the starting gate. Riders line up according to the order at the end of the lap before the stoppage. The FIM must allow at least five minutes for repairs or adjustments, but changing motorcycles remains forbidden.
After 51% the race is complete
Once 51% of race time, rounded up, has elapsed, the race is treated as completed instead of restarted. Classification reverts to the order at the end of the lap preceding the stoppage. Full World Championship points are awarded for a race stopped in this final window.
Responsibility can still affect the result
Race Direction may exclude a rider considered responsible for an early stoppage from the restart. After a stoppage beyond 51%, officials may place the rider judged at fault behind riders who completed an equal or greater number of laps. A red flag therefore freezes or resets the competition under a defined process; it does not erase sporting responsibility.
Facts are frozen to the verification date shown above. Any later correction will be added visibly.
Primary source checked internally: FIM 2026 MXGP, MX2, WMX, MXoN and Junior Motocross World Championship Regulations, articles 5.28–5.30.
