MotoGP is in the grip of a secret hi-tech revolution. Not downforce aerodynamics or ride-height adjusters, because we can see the aero and see bikes change shape as they exit corners. This revolution is secret because it’s mostly invisible. It’s taking place on computer servers and data clouds in the garages of MotoGP teams and in manufacturers’ race departments.
The revolution is artificial intelligence and its close relations computer simulations, neural networks, machine learning and geometric deep learning.
They’re useful for MotoGP teams because they have the ability to crunch the numbers and think better, faster and more originally than humans. And it’s only really happening now thanks to developments which allow the vast amount of data required to be captured, analysed and acted upon incredibly quickly. When modern MotoGP bikes are recording data via something in the region of 500 channels from engine, chassis and ECU, it’s not hard to understand how their incredible number-crunching abilities can change the game.
You know the story that your smartphone has more computing power than Apollo 11, which took mankind to the moon in 1969? This is true but exactly how much more?
