One way of describing MotoGP™ could be riders aiming to surpass expectations and in the last 10 years, the Championship has done the same. Increasing speeds and competition on track has been met with improvements to reduce the risk factor.
Over the past few years we have seen the importance of electronics grow and the move to a single tyre supplier – Michelin – has ensured there is an equal playing field for the premier class teams to start on, alongside the ECU laws.
MotoGP™ is the elite of two-wheel racing and every year we see the competition level both between riders and teams increase. In 2019, we saw Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati Team break the top speed record, the Italian clocking a staggering 356.7km/h at Mugello. Another noteworthy feat was achieved at the 2020 Sepang Test as we saw every full-time MotoGP™ rider set a sub-two-minute lap, a figure that impresses more when we see just 10 riders managed a 1:59 or less three years prior.
In order for speeds to rise, it’s absolutely paramount that safety is also improved. And for Dorna Sports and MotoGP™, this is always a priority. Crashes that, in the past, would have caused serious injuries nowadays – thankfully – save riders from a visit to hospital, in most cases. Of course, motorcycling racing is a dangerous sport and nothing will ever change that, but the continued evolution of the riders’ leathers helps minimise such risks. Airbags have now become an obligation and in crashes such as Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Andrea Dovizioso’s (Ducati Team) at Silverstone last year, or Marc Marquez' (Repsol Honda Team) at Sepang, airbag technology will have prevented injury.
In addition to the equipment available to the riders, safety at the circuits is constantly monitored by the Safety Commission. Riders meet at every round to discuss safety aspects at that particular Grand Prix, a crucial meeting between MotoGP™ riders, Dorna and FIM hierarchy to enable the thrill of racing premier class thoroughbreds to be done in an environment that is as safe as possible.
The riders are going quicker than ever before. The competition between all the factories is closer than ever before. And the sport is safer than ever before. Speed, rivalry and innovation: This is MotoGP™!