Updated Rule for MotoGP: Airbag Suits Made Mandatory Starting This Season
The FIM has taken safety precautionary measures as well as further steps to contain the cost of aerodynamics. For this season, wearing an approved airbag system within their leather racing suits will be made mandatory for all MotoGP classes – Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP – as well as all permanent GP racers and replacements.
In 2017, winglets were banned as mannufacturers, especially Ducati, gained expertise in making winglets, which resulted in larger models that raised safety concerns over the effect of an impact during a crash.
This latest updated rule of wearing airbag suits must follow a new set of rules, one of which is that the airbag has to cover and protect the collarbone and shoulder. Back protection is optional unless a manufacturer chooses to add it where it must then cover the entire spine. Variance will be granted by Dorna and FIM, taking into account the different body types of the riders as well as the system design of the suit.
Another rule is that each system must conform to a set of specifications that regulate battery type, electronics, deployment times, accidental deployment, and deflation times. The suits must also be self-contained and does not require any modification to the motorcycles.
The last stipulation of the updated rules is that the airbag suits must be fully functional on the race tracks.
In all, the update of MotoGP’s rules is a very important step in the right direction as the safety of the riders will be increased. Not only is it beneficial for the reputation of the sport and the various brands that sponsor the series, but also the families of the riders.