(MENAFN- Mid-East)
As Circuit Safety Operations Manager for the 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ethara's Stuart Latham has another busy weekend at Yas Marina Circuit.
While the British national has been involved in the race since 2010, this year his job is made easier by the all-new tech upgrades made to the venue's nerve centre – Race Control.
“First, during the summer, the previous track and drag strip CCTV cameras were removed and replaced with state-of-the-art HD PTZ cameras with much faster refresh rates. We also added 11 all-new CCTV positions that better cover all possible track configurations, improve visibility and footage capture in Race Control,” said Latham.
The act of pulling up and replaying footage in a live situation is much quicker, bringing significant operational benefits during motorsport weekends. The higher specification cameras also mean that footage is much clearer, making the identification of cars much easier which is extremely beneficial to stewards for the judicial process.
All of the circuit's digiflag panels have also been replaced with the latest FIA-homologated models, reducing power consumption while improving performance.
“The Main Race Control videowall features a new LED matrix above the screens linked to the digiflag system, displaying the status of the track and all three pit lane exits.”
For example, the system highlights to Race Control that a particular marshal post is displaying a yellow flag. In addition, a flashing yellow border also appears around the image from the relevant camera displaying that sector of track on the videowall.
“This highlights the affected sector and allows for much quicker spotting of incidents around the track. We are only the second circuit in the world to have this particular feature in our Race Control,” adds Latham.
He added that the pit exit lights have also been replaced with LED units which are much brighter, as well as all-new start light arrays at main and support gantries and the latest FIA-spec start light controllers.
The systems revamp not only improves visual coverage of the track, and other key areas but makes race operations and management more efficient and, more importantly, safer.
“Take for example, the video terminal newly installed in the Medical Centre. This lets the medical team monitor track activity directly from there in much the same way as they could from Race Control. This will benefit them in terms of witnessing the mechanism of any on-track incidents so it quickens the response time and they can prepare the appropriate level of treatment before the driver's arrival,” he explained.
The new updates will help lighten the considerable load across the weekend. Latham likens it to keeping 100 plates spinning, but thankfully he and his team have years of experience.
“Despite the global importance of this event, in terms of the actual track action itself, we work together like a finely-tuned machine because we've got it to a point now where everything works well and works efficiently.”
ABOUT ETHARA:
Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates' most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body's highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit's long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region's most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
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