Monitoring Moto Gp Rider ’ S Physiological Strain

INTRODUCTION In 2008 the first ever night-time Moto GP Grand Prix was held in Doha following the construction of permanent outdoor lighting, and in doing so establishing the Qatar event as one of the most spectacular on the Moto GP calendar. With an 18-race series visiting 14 countries, four continents and pan-global television coverage, Moto GP is the premier motorcycle racing World Championship. Although piloting is both physically and mentally challenging, motorbike research has until now primarily focused only on injuries and risk factors of the sport1. With little regards for Moto GP riders as athletes, their capabilities and the physical load of races are seldom the focus of scientific research. In this article, we will make the case for new investigations in the area of motorcycling science and for the burgeoning role of technology.