Zarco criticises MotoGP radio system that is “so far off the mark”

Johann Zarco has doubled down on his criticism of MotoGP’s prototype radio system, saying the static noise renders it practically “pointless”.

Inspired by team radio used in Formula 1 and other series, MotoGP has been developing its own two-way communication system to enable riders and the pitwall to interact with each other in real time.

Several riders have tested the device in the last few years with the aim of introducing it in races in 2026.

Unlike conventional radio systems, MotoGP’s version doesn’t rely on an earpiece but a speaker placed on the ear bone.

However, this radio solution has been creating some problems, with Zarco questioning its practicality after running the device in Valencia last week.

When asked whether his view remained unchanged since his previous run with the device in Aragon, Zarco was blunt: “Absolutely. For me, it’s crazy to be so far off the mark. [The technician] tells me that the other riders don’t say that, but I tried it and there was a lot of static. 

“Whenever he wanted to send a message, there was nothing but static. I could guess the message because ‘white flag’, for example, is understandable, but clearly, there was static. 

“They don’t realise that with the helmet on, you’re facing the wind, you’re creating air, you’re fighting the air all the time, you’re moving all the time. 

“The helmet moves a little on your head. Maybe that’s why: if I didn’t hear properly today, maybe it wasn’t right on the bone, but it’s extremely complicated. As soon as you accelerate, you definitely won’t hear any messages. The only message you’ll get is [with the] throttle off, in slow corners. For me, it’s pointless.”

For years, MotoGP teams have relied on traditional pitboards to pass information to riders during sessions. Although pitboards remain in use, teams can now also send brief dashboard messages directly to the bike.

The new radio system aims to take communication a step further by enabling two-way, voice-based interaction, allowing riders to respond to messages in real time.

“They told me I could talk. Apparently, they could hear me when I was in the pit,” said Zarco.

The reaction to the radio system was mixed when riders got the opportunity to test the device in Aragon five months ago.

However, Zarco dismissed suggestions that the new radio system could be distracting or potentially dangerous if introduced in its current form next year: “No, I don’t think so.

“Distracting, no, but it’s just that when you know all the technology and the audio quality you can have everywhere, and then you go back to something where it seems like you can’t find the right radio frequency, I don’t understand it.”

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– The Autosport.com Team