AGV

AGV's new helmet, set to debut in MotoGP, promises a sixfold reduction in concussion risk

MotoGP will see the debut of a new helmet at Misano, designed to enhance rider protection against one of the most dangerous types of impact in an accident. AGV has unveiled the Pista GP R3—the latest evolution of its racing helmet—which the brand's riders will begin using in MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 during the 2026 San Marino Grand Prix.

The key innovation is the "AGV Sphera – Powered by RLS," a system specifically developed to mitigate the consequences of oblique impacts and the rotational accelerations they can transmit to the head.

In an oblique impact, the movement of the helmet and the skull can generate rotation that is transferred to the brain. AGV focused precisely on this phenomenon while developing the new Pista GP R3, while also meeting the requirements of the new FIM FRHPhe-02 homologation standard.

The Sphera system employs an outer layer positioned over the main structure, separated from it by a matrix of hundreds of microspheres. When an oblique impact against the asphalt or another obstacle occurs, this layer is designed to detach in a controlled manner.

The goal is to dissipate some of the generated energy and limit the rotation transmitted to the head from the very early stages of the impact.

According to data provided by AGV, independent tests conducted by the Aragon Institute of Engineering Research at the University of Zaragoza demonstrated a sixfold reduction in concussion risk compared to a configuration without the Sphera with RLS system. The calculation was based on frontal and lateral impacts and utilized the BrIC metric to estimate the probability of an AIS2+ concussion.

The new helmet was not developed solely in a laboratory; MotoGP riders participated directly in testing and refining aspects such as aerodynamics, ventilation, and safety. Marco Bezzecchi particularly highlighted the new system: “The introduction of the new Sphera system with RLS technology represents a truly significant leap forward in safety. Knowing you are so well protected literally takes a weight off your shoulders.”

Luca Marini also highlighted this technology after witnessing its initial tests: “When I first took part in testing the new AGV Sphera system, I was impressed; I thought it was something magical. This technology will make a difference where it matters most: our safety as riders.”

Franco Morbidelli, for his part, considers the leap compared to the previous generation especially important: “Thanks to this new technology, we have reached levels never seen before, which is crucial for us.”

AGV also worked on aerodynamic performance. Development was carried out through wind tunnel and track testing with MotoGP riders, paying special attention to situations where the rider keeps their head turned while looking for the apex and exit of a corner.

The rear spoiler was completely redesigned to reduce lateral aerodynamic drag and achieve more neutral handling, while also aiming to reduce rider fatigue.

Ventilation has also been modified. The air intakes are now made of Grilamid, while new rear exhaust vents have been developed to facilitate the removal of hot air from the interior.

A visor up to 5 mm thick and a structure made entirely of carbon fiber...The shell of the Pista GP R3 is made entirely of carbon fiber, and AGV claims to have maintained the weight of its predecessor despite incorporating new technologies and achieving FIM FRHPhe-02 homologation.

The visor reaches a thickness of up to 5 mm and features a mechanism with increased retention force to reduce the likelihood of opening in the event of an impact.

AGV also retains one of the elements that has historically characterized the Pista GP: its wide field of view. The brand even recalls Valentino Rossi's reaction when he first tried one of the early generations: "It's like going from a TV screen to the cinema."

You won't have to wait to see it in competition. The AGV Pista GP R3(video below) will make its debut during the free practice sessions for the 2026 San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix.

From that point on, it will be used by AGV riders in MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3, bringing a system directly to the track that was developed to address a key area of ​​current FIM focus: reducing the impact that collisions and rotational acceleration can have on riders' brains.

by: Autonews