MotoGP helmet radio makes a “big step” at Jerez test

Fabio Quartararo said MotoGP’s in-helmet radio system has made a “big step” forward after trying the latest version at Monday’s Jerez test.

The communication system, under development for several years, is initially intended to deliver safety messages from Race Direction.

“They made a big step, to be honest,” Fabio Quartararo said. “But still a lot of work to do to hear like really clear. Because I can hear, but not so well.

“But they have made a step. I think it's positive and I think I’ll try it again in the Barcelona test [next month].”

A previous version of the radio used external ‘bone conduction’ headphones that transmit sound through vibrations against the rider’s head rather than into the ear canal.

“It's not pleasant to have this radio, the [earpiece] system is not good. The best system would be to do it like in Formula One,” Johann Zarco said at last year’s Aragon test.

Quartararo confirmed the latest version was “inside” the ear.

“It was only the first or second time that they tested. But it was nice,” said the factory Yamaha rider.

Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP SEG’s Chief Sporting Officer, previously explained that the aim was to use radio messages alongside GPS positioning.

"The idea is for the system to be GPS marked, so if you’re approaching an area with a yellow flag, rain or a slippery surface, you warn the riders on the straight leading into that sector,” Ezpeleta said.

MotoGP is planning to introduce a more sophisticated GPS system for 2027.

However, a more controversial long-term goal is to allow F1-style radio conversations between rider and team.

“At a later stage, if the teams agree, and once they’re more comfortable with the system, two-way communication from riders to race control or teams to riders is something that will probably happen,” Ezpeleta said.