Take heed to this text
MIPS, which stands for Multi-directional Influence Safety System, is a expertise developed in 1996 by specialists from the Royal Institute of Know-how and a mind surgeon Hans von Holst.
Helmets fitted with MIPS assist to scale back the rotational movement positioned on the mind throughout an incident the place the pinnacle involves a sudden cease.
It does so by way of a layer of low-friction materials contained in the helmet, and is a expertise that’s widespread in biking, snowboarding and in highway bike helmets.
MIPS (and comparable techniques) will probably develop into obligatory in MotoGP helmets by 2027, with Aprilia’s Espargaro – who’s a eager highway bike owner and trains with tour groups – utilizing it already starting with final week’s Portugal take a look at.
“I exploit MIPS (Multi-directional Influence Safety System) already this yr,” he mentioned.
“I am the primary rider who makes use of MIPS. I did not use it within the Malaysia take a look at, however on this one I used MIPS.
“What I heard is that Kabuto is growing with MIPS this yr, however I believe in three years – I do not know if it is in 2026 or 2027 – MIPS will likely be necessary.
“It is already necessary on the bicycle UCI helmets, and I believe it is actually a superb factor as a result of the influence for the mind is one thing troublesome to regulate.
“It is not a matter of getting a really robust helmet. So, the MIPS helps, and I am very blissful to work with MIPS to develop the primary variations.”
Aleix Espargaro, Aprilia Racing Workforce
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
MotoGP’s concussion protocols – which had been ostensibly strengthened for 2022 – have come beneath the highlight in recent times, with former Tech3 rider and present RNF runner Raul Fernandez allowed to trip on two events final season regardless of feeling unwell after crashes.
Throughout final week’s Portugal pre-season take a look at, Gresini rider Fabio Di Giannantonio was knocked unconscious briefly after a crash on the finish of the opening day.
After a visit to hospital for precautionary checks, he was declared unfit to trip on the ultimate day of the take a look at.
The Italian later took goal on the ‘wall-like’ gravel stones lining the Algarve monitor as the reason for his test-ending concussion.
