MotoGP is preparing for a true technological revolution. On Monday at Aragon, after an intense Grand Prix weekend, several riders remained on track for a day of testing... and not just any testing. The onboard radio communication system, which has been heralded for several years, has finally moved from theory to practice. Alex Marquez was one of the first guinea pigs, and his verdict is blunt: " Next year it seems it will be mandatory for safety. »
Tested with a bone conduction headsetThe system allows race management to send messages to drivers while they are riding. This technology is already used in the World Endurance Championship, but is still unprecedented at this level.
« This is the first time I've tried it. ", entrusts Alex Marquez. " I already had it in the box at Silverstone. But then I tried it on the track. It's not a real radio, because they put a voice on it and it's always there. It's not like someone is talking to you. »
And the experience was not perfect: " It is not easy to understand on many points what they say. But it was important to try it… I did a run and it was good. Next year it looks like it will be mandatory for safety. »
Radio communication: “ The problem is that in a straight line, at high speed, the helmet moves a little »
But be careful, not everything is ready yet: " At first I listened to the message, but later I tried to push and when I was doing 1'46s, I couldn't hear it anymore because you're really focused. You stop listening »
Lorenzo Savadori, for its part, also spotted some hardware bugs: “ the earpiece was smaller before. Now, it's bigger and more efficientThe problem is that in a straight line, at high speed, the headset moves a little. Maybe you can't hear because the pad is a little up or a little down.. » But he qualifies: « the feeling gets better every time. »
Marco Bezzecchi, teammate of Savadori in Aprilia, did not test the radio system in Aragon, but he still has an opinion: " Well, I don't really like to talk when I'm riding, but if they can talk to us, that's good. It's not easy to listen to, but you can get used to it.. Just use it, and maybe with time it will become normal. ", said Bezzecchi.
Miguel Oliveira, Pramac pilot, sees this above all as an additional element of stimulation for viewers. I think it's a good thing to to be able to offer something more to viewers. They will be able to talk about things they don't even see. »
The intention behind this innovation? To strengthen security first and foremost, but also prepare the ground for a future Formula 1, with two-way communications and live broadcasts. Dorna is already dreaming of integrating them into the TV show.
So, the radios in MotoGP : Gadget, safety, or strategic tool? One thing is certain: from 2026, silence on the track is over. Teams and drivers will have to adapt quickly to this new dimension of racing.
