**”Pecco Bagnaia Faces Potential Fines as MotoGP Tests Controversial Radio Communication System”**

MotoGP radio communication? "I'll be penalized like Michael Jordan."

Pecco Bagnaia expects a penalty for not using radio communication.

Aleix Espargaro was one of the riders who tested the newest version of MotoGP’s suggested radio system during the official Misano Test on Monday.

The primary goal of the system is to relay critical safety notifications, like 'red flag' or 'rider on track,' directly to the riders from Race Direction.

“We’ve dedicated three years to this project, focusing primarily on enhancing accident communication,” Espargaro stated.

"I was among the most vocal advocates for the implementation of radio communication, but it's challenging, particularly with regard to GPS functionality."

Carlos Ezpeleta, who serves as the Chief Sporting Officer for Dorna, detailed last year the integration of the initial one-way radio system with GPS technology.

"The concept involves the system being GPS-tagged. This way, if riders are nearing a zone with a yellow flag, rain, or a slippery track, they would receive a warning on the straight section before entering that area," Ezpeleta explained during the radio test at Jerez last year.

"Currently, race control is sending pre-recorded safety messages to the riders. This communication is one-way for now, and all the riders believe it is a good idea in theory."

The main objective, albeit a contentious one, is to enable real-time communication between the rider and the team similar to F1 during races.

Ezpeleta confirmed that in the future, if the teams are in agreement and once they become more accustomed to the system, it is likely that two-way communication between riders and race control or between teams and riders will be implemented.

This would remove the responsibility for important choices, like deciding whether to pit during a flag-to-flag race like the one that occurred in Misano on Sunday, from the riders.

Bagnaia: "I will be penalized like Michael Jordan"

Several riders, including the current champion Francesco Bagnaia, are firmly against the use of two-way radios.

Bagnaia stated he "won't be using anything of that sort," mentioning that the earpiece causes significant discomfort and that additional "distracting" communication is unnecessary.

The Italian mentioned that he would be willing to receive penalties at every match, similar to Michael Jordan, the iconic basketball player who was frequently fined for wearing red sneakers, just for not using a radio.

However, Espargaro argues that radios will enhance the entertainment value.

"On certain tracks, it might be challenging to communicate, but adapting to new technologies is essential. The quicker we get accustomed to it, the better it will enhance the performance," stated the Aprilia racer.

"We should attempt, fail, give it another shot, and discover our potential. However, I believe one of the most enjoyable aspects of Formula One is the radio communication."

"Picture the race in Misano yesterday: I asked the team whether I should stop or keep going. Antonio Jimenez was shouting instructions at me while I responded. I think the audience might find it entertaining."

Espargaro also opposed the view that it poses a hazardous distraction.

"Some people grumble, but you need to give it a shot before saying it distracts you," he remarked.

"It's more troublesome to engage the rear height device each time. You have to release your grip, then brake forcefully to deactivate it. If you had informed riders five years ago that they would need to press a button with every acceleration, it would seem much more inconvenient."

"Emerging technologies are on the horizon. We must explore them. However, if they prove to be unsafe, we will refrain from utilizing them."

Regardless, Espargaro, known for his candid remarks, probably won't use the two-way radio system, as he plans to retire at the end of this season and transition to Honda's testing and occasional racing roles.

“I apologize, but I doubt we’ll arrive in time to hear me speak!” he chuckled. “However, you will get the chance to hear the young riders!”

"It's going to be enjoyable. Dorna is putting in considerable effort to enhance helmet safety by conducting scans and collaborating closely with the manufacturers."

"We’ve been at this for over three years now. I was the one who initiated it, so by the time it’s completed, it’ll be fully prepared, secure, and extremely enjoyable."

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