MotoGP will take a significant leap forward in rider safety and technology during the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix by introducing a stability control system for the motorcycles. This unified software update is now available for all teams through the spec ECU, supplied by Magneti Marelli, and marks a milestone in the ongoing evolution of MotoGP electronics.
What Exactly Is MotoGP Stability Control?
Unlike traditional traction control, which primarily monitors and limits rear wheelspin, the new stability control system—sometimes called “slide control”—analyzes a wider range of parameters. It measures not just wheelspin but also the degree of sideways movement (slide angle) and the bike’s lean angle. When the software detects an excessive slide, especially while the bike is leaned over, it steps in to reduce engine torque, dampening the slide’s severity and helping keep the bike upright.
This is a crucial upgrade, as previous systems struggled with managing slides at high lean angles. Riders often faced situations where traction control either intervened too little, risking highside crashes, or too much, cutting power at inopportune moments. The new stability control promises smoother, safer management during these high-risk situations—potentially reducing dangerous highsides.
How Is Stability Control Different from Traction Control?
- Traction Control focuses on limiting engine torque to prevent excessive rear wheelspin, often using wheel speed sensors to compare front and rear wheel rotation.
- Stability Control goes further, evaluating real-time bike dynamics, such as how far the bike is sliding laterally and its current lean angle. This means intervention is both smarter and more targeted, especially when the bike is on the edge of grip through a turn.
In essence, while traction control is about managing when the tire loses grip longitudinally, stability control is about supervising the bike’s lateral stability—to catch slides before they cause a crash.
Why Now? The Path from Street to Track
Although sophisticated stability and slide control systems have long existed on high-end street motorcycles, their arrival in MotoGP came after years of development and safety advocacy. Incidents like Pol Espargaro’s major highside in Valencia 2021 highlighted the limitations of the old electronics and accelerated the push for better solutions. Collaboration between MotoGP, the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association), and Magneti Marelli finally brought this sophisticated tech to the racetrack in mid-2025.
Will Every Team Use It?
According to the latest updates, most—if not all—teams plan to implement the stability control system from its introduction at Austria. The new unified software complies with MotoGP electronics regulations, which let teams choose from different approved software versions each weekend, ensuring innovation but maintaining a level playing field.
Personally I see Yamaha benefitting from it the most. They are currently struggling with a lot of wheelspin.
A Controversial but Essential Step
While the addition of new safety tech is widely celebrated, some purists question whether increasing electronic intervention diminishes rider skill. Regardless, the MotoGP paddock largely recognizes this advancement as a vital move toward making one of motorsport’s most exhilarating series even safer and more future-ready.
