MotoGP’s Crash Detection System, which has been in the testing phase since 2023, appears to be nearing official introduction. The updated 2024 technical regulations for (rear) Safety Lights in all three grand prix classes now mandate the use of a new ‘unified MotoGP light.’ This light serves multiple purposes, including use in rain or low visibility conditions and integration with the Organiser’s crash detection/alarm system.
Mount the unified MotoGP light at the rear of the motorcycle; Race Direction can remotely operate it in specific conditions. Additionally, the Organiser’s crash detection/alarm system can automatically switch it on/off remotely. The system also includes a manual override button within the rider’s reach for manual operation.
During the data-gathering phase in 2023, the system demonstrated the ability to quickly and accurately detect accidents and transmit a ‘bike down’ message to Race Direction. While the system showed promising results, there were some false positives, often due to trivial issues. Testing will continue to address and eliminate such glitches.
The crash detection system triggers an alarm when a bike falls, not when a rider runs off the track. The visual identification of incidents by trackside marshals remains crucial. The system aims to activate a flashing rear light on a fallen machine to warn following riders and send an accident alert to Race Direction. Future developments may include automatically sending warnings to surrounding riders and triggering flashing yellow trackside screens.
The introduction of such a system is seen as a positive step for rider safety, providing quicker alerts to following riders and facilitating a faster response in the event of accidents.
