By Kate Adams
Flags are used in MotoGP to indicate various conditions or situations to the riders during a race. Below is a brief explanation of the different flags used in MotoGP:
Informative Flags
Green Flag: This flag signals the beginning of the race or the restart after a red flag situation.
Yellow and Red Striped Flag: This flag is waved to indicate that the track is slippery due to oil, water, or debris, and riders must exercise caution and slow down.
Blue Flag: This flag signals that a rider is about to be lapped by faster riders and must move out of the way.
White Flag: This indicates that riders are able to return to the pits to swap bikes due to a change in weather conditions.
White Flag with a red cross: This flag is shown when rain starts to fall in a section of the track, and it is affecting the surface.
Checkered Flag: This flag is shown at the end of the race to signal the winner and the end of the race.
Instructional Flags
Yellow Flag: This flag is waved when there is danger or an incident ahead on the track, and riders are required to slow down and not overtake until they have passed the incident.
Red Flag: This flag is displayed when the race is stopped due to a serious incident or unsafe track conditions, and all riders must immediately return to the pit lane.
Black Flag with an orange disc: This flag indicates that there is a mechanical issue with a rider's bike, and they must immediately return to the pit lane.
Black Flag: This flag is shown to a rider to indicate that they must return to the pit lane immediately for a penalty or because their bike is unsafe to continue racing.
It is crucial for riders to understand the meaning of these flags and respond appropriately to avoid accidents on the track or penalties. Short messages can also be given to riders on the dashboard of their motorbike. Tests are also currently underway for a radio system for riders to convey critical information. Two systems are being considered: an earbud system and a helmet system.
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