Soon radio in MotoGP?

The objective of this radio communication system would be to transmit safety-related information directly to the drivers from race management. The possibility for drivers and their teams to communicate directly is not yet envisaged… for the moment.

A first version had already been tested, without much enthusiasm from the pilots, at Misano in 2020. A new system directly integrated into the earplugs used by the pilots has been under evaluation since the start of the season. The comfort, noise disturbances and reliability of the system were evaluated by several drivers during testing following the Spanish Grand Prix. At this stage, the project is limited to one-way communication to drivers on track from race management using pre-recorded messages. The priority is to be able to transmit information more quickly about potential dangers or changes in runway conditions.

Warning pilots as early as possible of the onset of rain is in the specifications of this radio project © MotoGP

Carlos Ezpeleta, the Sports Director of Dorna Sports, promoter of MotoGP, explains to us the challenges of this highly anticipated and often feared innovation: “We are working closely with drivers and teams to improve communication with drivers from race management. In 2020, drivers complained about the visibility of the flags and we did a first test in Misano. Pilots felt uncomfortable with this device, particularly because of the noise level. We therefore decided to follow the path of LED panels and impose them as the standard on all circuits which was a great success. We are very happy with the LED panels, which are now present throughout the calendar.

Nevertheless, it was important for us to re-engage with this audio communication project. Unlike those used in motor racing, motorcycle helmets are much tighter on the face. Furthermore, motorcycles are extremely noisy. Finally, riders must be completely comfortable on the motorcycle to be able to move without obstacles, even minimal ones.

The radio complements the information transmitted by screen © MotoGP

The idea is to operate from GPS positioning to warn drivers on the straight ahead of an area under a yellow flag or with a slippery surface.

At the moment these are only short, pre-recorded safety-related messages. At a later stage, if the teams wish, we could consider two-way radio communication between the riders and the race management, or even their teams. The riders already have a lot of work on the bikes with the ride height adjusters. so let's not go too fast. This system will be introduced at the earliest in 2024 in Qatar if all pilots validate it during the next tests. »

Tests in racing conditions are already planned before the end of the season.

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