GPS tracking data to be broadcast at Sachsenring.

A new TV feature for MotoGP broadcasts is being introduced at this weekend's German Grand Prix, showing the precise location of a rider on the track - in real time (see pic).

The system, based on GPS technology, has been jointly developed by the teams, motorcycle manufacturers, leather suit manufacturers and Dorna Sports engineers.

A transmitter-receiver, mounted either on the bike (GPS Data Bike) or inside the back protector of the rider's leather (GPS Data Rider), sends real time information to the TV International Program Feed unit, where it is converted into graphics and is inserted in the final television signal.

This data is transmitted thanks to the On Board system installed on the bike.

In the case of the experimental system installed inside the leather's back protection, a new radio-frequency tool has been developed to transmit data from the rider to the bike via bluetooth technology, avoiding cables or hard connections between the rider and the bike. This will allow the introduction of extended information in the future, such as rider body temperature, heartbeat, etc.

The riders who are carrying GPS systems this weekend at Sachsenring are:
GPS Data Rider: Shane Byrne - Proton KTM - Alpinestars
GPS Data Bike: Valentino Rossi - Yamaha, Colin Edwards - Yamaha, Nicky Hayden - Honda