Ducati test driver Michele Pirro was able to communicate directly with the Ducati pit crew during the MotoGP test in Barcelona – thanks to an intercom system in his helmet.
MotoGP has been working on a radio system modeled on the Formula 1 system for several years. On Tuesday, during the official MotoGP test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a next step in this direction was taken.
Ducati test driver Michele Pirro was able to exchange spoken messages with team manager Davide Tardozzi. This was made possible by an intercom system developed by Dorna that was installed in Pirro’s helmet. Tardozzi, in turn, received a headset with an integrated microphone.
During the first hour of testing, in which Pirro took several rides on the bikes of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, the Italian was able to receive some messages from Tardozzi and pass on input to the team manager at the same time, all while he was on the track.
The company developing the system with Dorna is not currently willing to share detailed information about the tests. However, it was possible to see Tardozzi both speaking and putting his hand on his headset to listen to messages transmitted by the microphone in Pirro’s helmet.
Dorna develops radio communication for drivers and pit crew
For some time, Dorna has been working on a system that allows drivers to exchange spoken messages with the pit crew while they are on the track.
Initially, a series of pre-recorded short messages was developed that the drivers could receive in their helmets. But to achieve real progress, the people in charge are relying on a radio system modeled on the one used in Formula 1, which has proven extremely effective there.
While a driver traveling at 300 km/h on a motorcycle will never be able to hold a calm conversation with his team, the idea is that he will be able to receive comments, warnings or suggestions from the pits.
A microphone could also pick up the driver’s voice in case he wants to answer the team. A good example of the usefulness of such a system was the flag-to-flag race at the San Marino Grand Prix this year.
World Champion Jorge Martin switched to another motorcycle after the first drops of rain fell, while most of the drivers remained on the track. With such a radio system, he could have asked his team – such as Pramac team manager Gino Borsoi or his crew chief Daniele Romagnoli – for advice.