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Extreme Decibel Levels on the MotoGP Grid
MotoGP machinery relies on 1000cc engines that deliver power up to 250hp, reaching speeds over 350 km/h and producing very loud noise up to 130 decibels. Unlike street motorcycles that often feature exhaust mufflers and typically produce sounds around 95 dB, premier-class prototypes are built exclusively for racing and operate under minimal sound restrictions.
When 22 bikes start together, noise from engines and exhausts creates an intense environment louder than a typical nightclub or a pneumatic concrete breaker.
Decibel Comparisons and Hearing Damage Risks
According to the Yale University Decibel Level Comparison Chart, a quiet natural area without wind registers 20 dB, an ambient office environment measures 60 to 65 dB, and a standard vacuum cleaner emits 75 dB. In human perception, every 10 dB increase approximately doubles subjective loudness, while every 10 dB decrease cuts perceived volume roughly in half. At 125 dB or higher, sound can become notably painful.
The Yale chart notes that headphones at half volume measure 95 dB, pneumatic drills generate 120 to 130 dB, and being beneath an aircraft landing 100 metres from a runway reaches 140 dB. Sustained noise exposure between 80 and 90 dB can result in hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure above the 85 dB range can damage human hearing. The World Health Organisation states that maximum daily safe listening is one hour and 15 minutes at 95 dB, but drops below one second at 130 dB.
Without adequate protection, exposure to such intense noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus characterized by persistent ringing in the ears, and other auditory disorders.
Throughout a 22-event season, riders accumulate many hours of high-decibel exposure during Friday and Saturday practice, qualifying, the Saturday Sprint, Sunday warm-up, and the Grand Prix. Earplugs are therefore an essential piece of kit in the riders' safety equipment.
Silicone Moulding and Selective Audio Filtering
MotoGP competitors wear specialist silicon-based earplugs custom moulded to their individual inner ear contours before heading out on track. These high-fidelity plugs provide a secure fit and lower incoming noise exposure by 20 to 30 dB, while helmets provide supplementary sound dampening.
Standard disposable foam earplugs muffle incoming sounds and distort audio. By contrast, bespoke silicone units provide effective noise isolation while preserving the acoustic clarity competitors require.
These racing earplugs are designed to reduce harmful noise levels without eliminating important auditory cues. Riders rely on specific sounds during track sessions, including the pitch of their engine when shifting gear and the proximity of an adjacent machine that may be attempting an overtake.
Maintaining access to those specific sounds allows competitors to monitor machine behaviour and track surroundings while keeping harmful decibels in check.
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Managing Mental Fatigue and Maintaining Concentration
Beyond protecting auditory health, earplugs reduce potential psychological fatigue caused by operating in a continuous loud environment. Intense noise can easily distract individuals attempting to concentrate.
Riders control their prototype machines at speeds exceeding 350 km/h, leaning into corners at angles over 65 degrees from vertical and braking at the last possible millisecond. Across 40 to 45 minute races, maintaining rapid reflexes, continuous split-second decisions, and precise focus would be impossible without earplugs blocking extreme ambient roar.
Universal Adoption Across the Grid
Every rider in the premier class wears earplugs under their helmet while on circuit. Although there may be varying preferences regarding specific brands, materials, features, and custom fit, usage remains universal across the grid.
This practice extends across the entire field, from seasoned champions like six-time premier-class title winner Marc Marquez at the Ducati Lenovo Team to category newcomers such as rookie Ai Ogura at Trackhouse MotoGP Team.
Trackside Communication and Helmet Radio Testing
Unlike Formula 1 drivers, MotoGP riders do not use permanent team radio systems to talk with crew chiefs or mechanics during running. Teams communicate primarily through messages displayed on bike dashboards and physical pit boards held over the pit wall.
Monster Energy Yamaha rider Alex Rins explained that with team communication a rider can be more calm and relaxed, because they can know at how many seconds is the rider in front and behind as well as how many riders are behind.
Addressing tests conducted in 2023 to potentially introduce radio comms to MotoGP riders, Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna Sports, explained that developing motorcycle radio systems is challenging compared to cars. Motorcycle helmets fit tightly, particularly around the face, bikes are much noisier, and riders need freedom of movement.
During 2023 evaluations, organisers tested pre-recorded messages transmitted via a system fitting around the rider's earplugs, alongside an in-ear alternative, judging the around-ear concept more promising.
While riders do not communicate with the garage over radio, trackside crew members wear noise-cancelling headsets fitted with earphones and microphones to converse among themselves.
This means crew chiefs and team managers can concentrate and communicate with analysts, mechanics, and other technicians regarding race strategy and decision making, without being distracted or having their hearing damaged by trackside noise. Combined with rider earplugs, effective hearing protection supports both performance and career longevity in the premier class.
