MotoGP, like Formula 1, will adopt digital flag panels for the 2021 season, starting at this weekend’s Portimao Grand Prix in Portugal.
Formula 1 adopted a similar technology a few years back in order to improve visibility during night races and where poor weather was a factor.
Both the FIA and FIM – the governing bodies for F1 and MotoGP – have made digital flag panels mandatory at all circuits from 2022.
EM Motorsport will supply MotoGP with 22 panels which will travel to every grand prix.
The panels utilise a brightness of 64,000 candela per square metre and two versions will be used. T1s will be used at long run off areas and fast straights and T2s will cover the rest of the circuit.
The Flag Panels will be fully integrated with MotoGP’s current Dorna Race Control system, meaning the panels will be controlled first and foremost by Race Control, enabling them to change the status of the entire circuit instantly. Each panel has a console that will be operated by a trackside marshal for localised yellow flags and sector incidents.
“We’re very proud to have partnered with MotoGP and Dorna to help them deliver a safer racing series whilst retaining the great speed and competition of the premium motorcycle race series, having built up a great rapport with both over the last few years,” commented Business Development Manager, Giles Cooper.
“For EM Motorsport, this is a great progressive step for our business, now supplying safety technology for the top tier race series in single seaters and motorbike racing as well as providing equipment for IndyCar and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“We are extremely happy to provide more safety technology to these great race series and more; making motorsport a safer sport and one that can help with the development and research into safety technology for the future.”
They will debut this weekend at the Portimao round in Portugal, where rain is forecast for Friday’s practice sessions.
