New command centre at Biggin Hill: FIA supports race control remotely
The FIA has officially opened its Race Operations Centre at Formula 1's Biggin Hill base. Up to 16 staff support race control and the stewards from there – soon with the help of AI.
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Video: YouTube · FIA · youtube.com
The FIA has officially inaugurated its new Race Operations Centre (ROC) at Biggin Hill in England. The facility is located at Formula One Management's base, which also houses Formula 1's TV production. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief Stefano Domenicali attended the opening. According to Motorsport.com, the centre has been in use since the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
During a race weekend, up to 16 staff at Biggin Hill support race control and the stewards at the track. They analyse more than 140 audio and video data streams as well as car position data and team radio. According to RaceFans, the team is to help detect jump starts, incorrect grid positions, track-limit breaches and pit-lane offences, while new AI systems are to automate processes and detect incidents. The FIA puts the investment at several million euros.
Ben Sulayem said the facility will support accurate, consistent and efficient decision-making. Domenicali called it an example of the close cooperation between Formula 1 and the FIA. The ROC also serves Formula 2 and Formula 3. Formula 1's next stop is Sunday's United States Grand Prix in Austin.