Last week, during pre-season testing, the different teams and riders were able to test their new machines, in preparation for the 2025 MotoGP season. In addition to aerodynamic parts, fairings and engines, certain teams had the opportunity to test a completely new technology: radio communication. Present in other disciplines in motor sports such as Formula 1, the premier motorcycle category still does not have this instrument.
Crucial for informing of potential dangers on the circuit or even strategy, the radio begins to appear. This system would be bidirectional, allowing audio messages to be transmitted to pilots, while having the possibility of responding to them. In the Ducati garage, Davide Tardozzi, the team's team manager, had the pleasure of being the voice in the ear of the Italian manufacturer's tester, Michele Pirro. But to everyone's surprise, Francesco Bagnaia also tested this device. However, he was hostile to its integration.
“I did it and it’s not ready yet. It didn't work when I tested it, I couldn't hear anything. It's not ready yet and I'll retest it when it's ready. It also bothered me a little, the connection cable is really huge and it could be dangerous. It's annoying, it's not something I like, but it's especially the way it's installed that isn't great. It’s very bulky, the cable is very big.”
Pecco Bagnaia against the project, Michele Pirro says yes
Unlike his compatriot, Michele Pirro, Ducati's official test rider was less critical of the integration of radio in the premier category. During his laps, the Italian received audio messages in his ears, trying to respond to them. This system could be integrated by the 2026 season.
“It’s interesting, it’s something new, we’re not used to it. As far as I'm concerned, it's a matter of habit. Today we did some testing, so they kept talking and it wasn't ideal, but when there are important messages or situations with changes on the bike, it might help. to anticipate the type of problems that exist, before returning to the stand. I see it as something interesting. It needs to be developed, we're only at the beginning, but there's time, we'll see. I think it's like the development of motorcycles, it's in any case the beginning of a journey. We need to develop it and there will be the whole next year to work on it and have a good database in order to develop this system.”
“I believe that this is a development which, in the future, could be an interesting, important thing. It made me happy that we contributed to this in recent months. We spent almost the entire day trying to collect as much data as possible. We'll see, it will be interesting. If it becomes mandatory from 2026, it will be important to have everything you need. The system still needs to be finalized, but I believe we will be able to make progress in the coming months. I believe this is good for providing information to the team on the behavior of the bike and that the timing of problem resolution can be accelerated. And then, it is especially for security communications that it can sometimes be interesting. It’s not like we’re listening to music!”
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In Brief
During the MotoGP pre-season tests which took place last Tuesday, some riders were able to test a new technology: radio communication. But according to Pecco Bagnaia, the Italian was categorically against this use which turns out to be dangerous.
