World’s Fastest Drone Tracks Motorcycles at Jerez Grand Prix

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

The thrilling realm of motorcycle racing has entered a new era of fan experience with the integration of cutting-edge drone technology. At the Circuito de Jerez in Spain, a specially designed drone captured the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup pre-season testing, providing an unprecedented point-of-view experience. This event marks a significant advancement in how racing events are presented to audiences worldwide.


Revolutionary Drone Capabilities at the Jerez Circuit

Developed by Dutch Drone Gods, the high-speed drone utilized during the MotoGP pre-season is capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h in just under four seconds. This technology was first designed to follow closely behind Formula 1 cars, providing seamless, high-definition footage. Its application at the Jerez circuit involved tailing Moto3 spec KTM motorcycles, allowing for close-up, dynamic video capture of young riders as they competed fiercely.


Unique Challenges of Capturing MotoGP with Drone Technology

Ralph Hogenbrik, also known as Shaggy FPV, piloted the drone and shared insights into the operational differences between tracking Formula 1 cars and MotoGP bikes. He explained the adjustments needed, stating, “The bikes have a longer braking path than the Formula 1 car but it accelerates out of the corner much faster – I had to adapt to that literally on the fly. We also needed to change the camera angle a lot during the flights as we were getting closer and closer, getting under bridges and the track itself is very dynamic from low-speed to high-speed.”


Impact on Motorsport Broadcasting and Future Developments

The application of this drone technology not only enhances the viewing experience but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in sports broadcasting. The Dutch Drone Gods team continues to refine and expand the drone’s capabilities, testing it across different motorsport disciplines to perfect its performance and versatility.


The Ongoing Legacy of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup

Celebrating its 18th season, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup has become a pivotal platform for young riders. With the 2024 season starting in Spain, the series has added 15 new competitors to its roster, following extensive selection rounds last October. The Rookies Cup has a notable history of producing successful riders, including MotoGP winners like Jorge Martin and Brad Binder, and 2020 series champion Pedro Acosta.


This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

Motorcycle.com Staff
Motorcycle.com Staff

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