Digital flag panels introduced to MotoGP
The role of the flag marshals in MotoGP is changing, following the introduction of a digital flag system, which will be mandatory at all GP circuits from 2022.
A joint initiative of the FIM and FIA, the introduction of ‘T1’ and ‘T2’ digital signalling panels will “increase the visibility of and information regarding track conditions for all competitors in order to increase their safety during any incident, regardless of the discipline.”
The two types differ in size and performance, with the larger T1 panels used at long run off areas and fast straights, while the smaller T2 panels will cover the rest of the circuit. Each will be placed at optimal positions around the track, determined by the FIM MotoGP Safety Officer, to ensure they are in the natural eyeline of riders.
While the panels are not mandatory until 2022, MotoGP is introducing them this year, with their first appearance at the Portuguese Grand Prix on 18 April. The digital flag panels have been in use at most Formula 1 venues since 2009.
According to MotoGP’s governing body, Dorna, the early introduction of the panels will enable riders and each host circuit to become accustomed to the technology before it becomes mandatory next year.
The digital flag panels will be fully integrated into MotoGP’s current Race Control system, meaning Race Control can change the status of the entire circuit instantly. Each panel also has a console that can be operated by a trackside marshal for localised sector incidents, so they won’t replace marshals entirely, but may mean fewer marshals per station.
Dorna says the benefits of the homologated digital flag panels include excellent visibility at high speeds in all weather conditions, making it easier for riders “to know the status of the circuit during sessions and increasing safety significantly”, while also improving the safety of marshals, as they don’t need to place themselves in potentially dangerous positions to ensure flag signals are visible.
Following their debut in Portugal, the 22 high-tech flag panels will travel with the MotoGP paddock throughout the remainder of the 2021 season.
British company EM Motorsport developed the digital flag panels, which were the first to be homologated by both the FIA and FIM. According to EM Motorsport, the panels have been vigorously tested to ensure visibility regardless of weather or lighting conditions, with a claimed brightness of 64,000 candela per square metre.
The digital flag panels will make their Aussie debut at this year’s Red Bull Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, which is provisionally scheduled for 22-24 October, but tickets had not gone on sale at time of writing.