During the races, the officials use several flags to give out different messages to the racers

MotoGP is one of the fastest motorsports on earth and therefore, the safety of the racers is the priority of the managing authorities. Unlike Formula One, where the drivers communicate with their respective teams using radios, MotoGP riders rely on different signals which comprise multicoloured lights and flags. Therefore, in this feature, we lay down what each flag signifies.

Chequered flag- The chequered flag is used twice in the entire racing session. To begin the race, the chequered flag is waved and the racers begin the run. During the race, the chequered flag is kept aside and is only used again when the race is about to end. In the last or the final lap, the marshal waves the chequered flag and indicates to the racers that the race is over.

Green flag- The green flag is waved when the track is ready for racing. It is also used for the warm-up lap and during the practice sessions. When the racers are waiting in their paddocks, the green flag is waved and the racers reach the starting grid. In case of an accident during the practice session or the race, the racers slow down or enter the pit lane until the debris is cleared off the track. To resume the race, the green flag is waved and the racers are signalled to start again.

Yellow flag- When an accident occurs on the track, the yellow flag is waved to all the riders. It means the riders have to slow down and overtaking is disallowed during that period. White flag- Once an accident occurs on the track, a recovery vehicle or an ambulance is deployed to check on the riders involved in the accident. These vehicles are slow-moving vehicles and therefore, the riders are signalled about their presence on the track. In short, the riders are requested to move cautiously.

Blag Flag with orange disk- This flag is waved at a particular racer who may have a technical problems with his motorcycle. Therefore, the racer is signalled to enter the pitlane immediately.

Blag Flag- Black flag is waved to those riders who may have received a penalty.

Blue Flag- The Blue Flag is for those racers who are about to be overlapped by another racer. Therefore, the overlapped racers must allow the other race to overtake them.