LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco has requested that MotoGP reconsiders its upcoming radio communication setup, suggesting the adoption of an in-ear system similar to that used in Formula One rather than the proposed bone conduction technology. MotoGP aims to introduce radio communications next season primarily to broadcast safety messages from Race Direction.
Unlike Formula One’s established in-ear devices, MotoGP’s current plan favors external bone conduction headphones, which deliver sound via vibrations through the rider’s skull instead of directly into the ear canal.
Rider experiences highlight issues with bone conduction technology
During testing at Aragon, Zarco encountered difficulties hearing radio transmissions clearly because the helmet shifted slightly at high speeds, disrupting the contact needed for the bone conduction system to work effectively.
When you go over 300ks, the helmet goes up a bit, so the radio was not touching my bones anymore and sometimes I could not hear,
Zarco explained.
There are some other riders who say they can hear very well all the time, some others not.
This inconsistency has raised questions about the reliability of the bone conduction devices across different riders and situations.
Zarco recommends an F1-style in-ear design for better comfort and hearing
Expressing a clear preference, Zarco stated that the current radio system is uncomfortable and ineffective compared to Formula One’s approach, which uses customized in-ear earpieces. He plans to propose this alternative to FIM officials for consideration.
At the moment it’s not pleasant to have this radio, the [earpiece] system is not good. The best system would be to do it like in Formula One,
Zarco stated.
I will ask [FIM officials] to try what they are using in Formula One.
He also raised concerns about the current noise regulations in MotoGP, which permit noise levels up to 130 dB/A, emphasizing the importance of protecting riders’ hearing over their careers.
I try to take care of my body, of my [hearing], of my brain,
Zarco commented. He warned,
I can feel that, if I continue like this, just with the earplugs that I’m used to, I will not hear a lot when I’m over 50 years old.
He suggested that adaptive earplugs, such as those used in Formula One, could provide better hearing protection but noted that such technology is not yet accepted in MotoGP.
This [MotoGP] system on the bones looks good, but I think the best thing would be the same as Formula One.
Balancing safety, comfort, and effectiveness in future radio communication
Zarco remains open to the possibility of integrating in-ear devices despite concerns about safety and rider balance. He highlighted reports indicating that decibel exposure levels decrease with the Formula One system and expressed a personal wish to lower noise exposure overall.
Personally, with or without radio, I would like to calm down this decibel level.
The long-term vision involves expanding radio communication in MotoGP to enable full team-to-rider exchanges during races, mirroring Formula One’s established communication model.
At the Aragon test, where Zarco finished 17th fastest, he also noted positive developments from Honda, particularly appreciating the addition of a new carbon fibre swingarm to his LCR Honda bike.
