As part of a recent effort to improve racing operations at Formula 1 events, the FIA has completed the first phase of its new ‘Race Direction Development Programme’ (RDDP). This was announced by the World Automobile Association in a press release.
The RDDP was created by FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem with the aim of streamlining race management and providing the basis for the development of future race directors and officials.
The program aims to quantify the performance of race officials and stewards, create a culture of critical reflection and continuous improvement, and provide analysis and feedback to identify areas for support and development.
FIA President Sulayem wants to find new race director talent
The statement said: “The RDDP conducted a debriefing with officials present at recent Grands Prix using race footage and event data.”
“The debriefing and evaluation focused on highlighting the positive aspects of the Race Control team’s performance, identifying areas for improvement and identifying the need for additional technical support. The debriefing drew on data and analysis from the ‘FIA Remote Operations Centre’ (ROC ) in genf.”
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem said: “The Race Direction Development Program is designed to improve our race direction as part of our ongoing effort to improve the governance of the sport with rigor and best practice.”
“It also builds on the implementation of the ROC [dem Videoschiedsrichter der Formel 1; Anm. d. Red.] up to support our racing operations. The program will also help us identify emerging talent so we can expand our pool of race directors, stewards and officials going forward.”
Cooperation with football representatives in Abu Dhabi
The RDDP draws on the experience of refereeing procedures used by other international sporting bodies such as football and rugby. Discussions have taken place between the FIA and representatives of these sports, as confirmed by the World Automobile Federation in the press release
“This collaboration will be extended during a visit to this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by members of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), who provide match officials for the Premier League, English Football League and FA Women’s Super League .”
“PGMOL is particularly interested in seeing the technology used in FIA race control and racing with a view to advancing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in football.”
“The RDDP will also form part of a development and training plan for race directors and stewards, which will attract candidates who better reflect the diverse geographic spread of FIA members. The system is to be rolled out at all FIA championships in the future,” read the announcement .