Key takeaways
- Radio test in FP1: Pedro Acosta will evaluate a new radio communication system integrated into his earpieces during Friday practice at Aragon.
- Safety first: The system initially aims to deliver Race Control alerts, such as red flags and penalty notifications, directly to riders.
- Comfort improvements: Acosta praised revised earpiece designs tested at Silverstone, making the inclusion of radio receivers viable.
Pedro Acosta confirmed he will test an integrated radio communication system during Free Practice 1 at the Aragon Grand Prix. The technology, which fits inside the rider’s ear protection, represents MotoGP’s latest effort to improve real-time safety messaging on track.
Dorna and MotoGP safety officials have evaluated radio prototypes for several seasons, facing challenges with wind and engine noise interference. However, following testing of revised earpieces at Sachsenring and Silverstone, Acosta reported significant comfort improvements that pave the way for live audio integration.
“I think this weekend I will test the earpieces with the radio, because before it was just the earpiece and I was quite happy with it,” Acosta explained ahead of the weekend. “I think I will use it in FP1 and see how it goes.“
While Formula 1 relies heavily on team-to-driver radio strategy, MotoGP’s primary goal for the system is race direction safety communications, such as immediate flag alerts and penalty warnings.
“If everyone uses it, I can’t say no—especially if it becomes mandatory,” Acosta noted. “I think it will be good for certain things—red flags, that sort of thing. In the end, we don’t have pit stops, so we don’t have many ways to play with strategies. But for safety, like red flags or penalties that are hard to see on the dashboard, I think it can be good.“
Acosta’s track test comes amid significant rider market and injury updates ahead of Round 13, as Ai Ogura underwent successful hand surgery following a training injury, Aprilia revealed its strategy to manage Marco Bezzecchi’s race pace, and Pramac Racing confirmed Jack Miller will leave Yamaha at the end of the season.
MotoGP resumes action from August 28–30 for the Aragon Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of every session across all categories. Follow all updates on our news page.
MotoGP 2026: World Championship Standings (Top 5)
| Pos | Driver | Team | Bike | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorge Martín | Aprilia Racing | Aprilia | 240 |
| 2 | Marco Bezzecchi | Aprilia Racing | Aprilia | 219 |
| 3 | Ai Ogura | Trackhouse Racing | Aprilia | 203 |
| 4 | Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati Lenovo Team | Ducati | 218 |
| 5 | Marc Márquez | Ducati Lenovo Team | Ducati | 192 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. When will Pedro Acosta test the MotoGP radio system?
Pedro Acosta will test the radio system during Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Aragon Grand Prix.
2. What is the primary purpose of testing radio communication in MotoGP?
The system is primarily designed to improve safety by allowing Race Control to communicate red flags, track hazards, and penalties directly to riders.
3. When is the 2026 Aragon Grand Prix taking place?
The Aragon Grand Prix takes place from August 28–30, 2026, at MotorLand Aragon.
