Ducati MotoGP star Francesco Bagnaia was left sceptical about the team radio idea coined by series promoter Dorna after testing the system in Barcelona last week.
It has been working on a rider-to-garage voice messaging system for some time and, once implemented, it will offer different applications to MotoGP in terms of safety and the show.
The idea is to create the framework for two-way dialogue between the rider and their team as well as the race director. This goes beyond the current communication system in MotoGP, where riders receive text messages via their bike’s instrumentation screen.
Bagnaia was fitted with all the equipment necessary to test team radio during last weekend’s official test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but the two-time champion made it clear that he was against its use in MotoGP.
He also stressed that the length of wiring required can potentially make things dangerous for riders on track.
“I did it and it’s still not ready,” said Bagnaia, who finished runner-up to Jorge Martin in the 2024 championship.
Marc Marquez, Ducati Team, Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“It didn’t work when I tested. It wasn’t working so I didn’t hear anything. And also was disturbing me a bit, the cable to connect [the radio] is very huge and could be dangerous. So it’s still not ready. I will now test again when we will be ready.”
Over the course of 2024, several riders were able to test the Formula 1-style radio system, which is still in its development stages. It has so far prompted a mixed reaction, with some riders more in favour of introducing it than others.
Bagnaia was already apprehensive about team radio after a previous test at Misano in September, claiming he wouldn’t use the system even if it became mandatory.
“I think I’ll get penalties, like [Michael] Jordan, every race, because I won’t use any of that,” he said at that time, referring to Jordan being fined due to wearing red shoes instead of white.
“I’ve tried the system and it squeezes you to the bone. If you spend 30 seconds with your fingers on it [to activate it], it starts to hurt – imagine for 40 minutes riding. It doesn’t make sense.”
Bagnaia wasn’t the only Ducati rider who tested team radio in Barcelona last week. Just before his first run, an intercom was installed in the helmet of test rider Michele Pirro, who had a direct line with team manager Davide Tardozzi in the garage.
