TOCA, organiser of the British Touring Car Championship, today (29 September) announced that all cars will run an onboard visual signalling system from next season.
Similar to that seen in the likes of Formula 1, the BTCC Race Control will be able to immediately inform all drivers via their in-car dashboards of yellow flag zones, red flag stoppages, Safety Car periods, black or black/white flag notifications as well as other important safety messages – further supporting the traditional flag system and LED light boards deployed by marshals situated around each circuit. That same information will also immediately flash up on the timing screens.
It is expected that all BTCC support championships – some 100 cars at each race weekend – will also adopt the system into their cars, thus enhancing driver safety to a level not seen before within British motorsport. The race control system software has been developed by Timing Solutions Limited (TSL), the long-time supplier of timing and scoring systems to TOCA.
The introduction is a first for British motorsport and follows other pioneering developments in the BTCC, such as hybrid technology and more sustainable fuel – both also being welcomed in 2022.
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “TOCA continues to take the lead when it comes to introducing technology, sustainability and safety innovations within British motorsport, and we are proud to be introducing this onboard visual signalling system from 2022 onwards. This is a very significant safety enhancement for our BTCC drivers and indeed our trackside marshals, and one which I’m sure will also be adopted by our valued support championships.
“It’s vital to stress, however, that this important safety tool will supplement – not replace – the traditional flag system deployed by the marshals, which remains such an intrinsic part of the safety protocols.”
