MotoGP to introduce digital Flag Panels from Portimao

MotoGP is to use digital Flag Panels for the rest of the 2021 season, starting at Portimao this weekend (pictured).

EM Motorsport will provide 22 panels that will travel the world with the MotoGP paddock. The enhanced visibility of the panels compared to a normal flag system means it will be easier to alert riders to any changes in the status of the circuit during track sessions (for example yellow or red flags).

Positions of the panels around each track will be determined by the FIM, to make sure that they are placed in the natural eyeline of the riders.

MotoGP will use a combination of the 'T1' and 'T2' panels, which differ in dimensions and performance, with the flagship T1s being used at long run-off areas and fast straights while T2s cover the rest of the circuit.

From 2022, it will be mandatory for circuits that host MotoGP to install the T1 panels permanently, in a joint safety move from the FIM and FIA. The introduction of the panels now will enable MotoGP and its circuits to become accustomed to the technology before the new regulations come in.

The Flag Panels will be controlled first and foremost by MotoGP's Race Control, enabling them to change the status of the entire circuit instantly if they wish.

Each panel also has a console that will be operated by a trackside marshal for localised yellow flags and sector incidents.

 

Provisional 2021 MotoGP Calendar
Round	Date	Race	Circuit
1	28 March	Qatar (Evening race)	Losail
2	4 April	Doha (Evening race)	Losail
3	18 April	Portugal	Portimao
4	2 May	Spain	Jerez
5	16 May	France	Le Mans
6	30 May	Italy	Mugello
7	6 June	Catalunya	Barcelona
8	20 June	Germany	Sachsenring
9	27 June	Netherlands	Assen
10	11 July	Finland (Subject to homologation)	KymiRing
11	15 August	Austria	Red Bull Ring
12	29 August	Great Britain	Silverstone
13	12 September	Aragon	Aragon
14	19 September	San Marino e Della Riviera di Rimini	Misano
15	3 October	Japan	Motegi
16	10 October	Thailand	Buriram
17	24 October	Australia	Phillip Island
18	31 October	Malaysia	Sepang
19	14 November	Comunitat Valenciana	Ricardo Tormo
Postponed Grands Prix:
	11 April	Argentina	Termas
	18 April	Americas	COTA
Reserve Grand Prix Venues:
		Indonesia (Race delayed until 'first part of 2022')	Mandalika
		Russia	Igora Drive
2021 Pre-season Tests:
	5 March	Qatar Shakedown Test	Losail
	6-7 March	Qatar Official Test	Losail
	10-12 March	Qatar Official Test	Losail