The WRC promoters are evaluating the introduction of the helmet camera, already present in Formula 1 and other FIA series, to improve the television offer.
Stilo, a company that creates and supplies helmets, has created one with a built-in camera, very similar to the one we already see in use in the helmets of Formula 1 drivers, to try to give WRC spectators a view very similar to the one that the pilots have during the special tests.
Stilo and Bell, another helmet manufacturer, is working together with WRC promoters to develop a helmet camera that can be tested. The design and first tests are progressing, but implementation will still require some time and patience.
“We are working on the design of a camera together with the WRC promoter. We are testing something with the promoter,” Stilo CEO Paolo Bonetalli told Motorsport.com.
“The idea is to have a perception of the car by the driver, so that he can see exactly what the driver sees. Especially in rallies it is difficult to place the camera on the car, there are many cameras, but when you It’s difficult to see the driver’s eye when cornering and skidding. It’s an aspect we’re working on.”
“The difference between this and circuit racing is that the rally camera has to be of high quality. In Formula 1 you see that the camera shakes a lot and you can’t see what’s happening. In rallying you need to have the highest quality “.
“The idea is to find a camera that can broadcast for one minute, but in this case it has to be stable and high quality, this is the difficulty and the reason why we are working with the promoters to find the right solution.”
“While testing of the device is ongoing, the helmet will have to meet FIA safety standards before it can be homologated and therefore used in the WRC.
“It is a great challenge because you cannot have an accessory that is not certified, because safety must come first,” added Bonetalli.
“You have to demonstrate that the helmet with this accessory, the camera in this case, is safe and complies with current standards. You can’t have something too big or too dangerous for the driver.”
“We have designed something, we are working to test it and the next step will be to obtain certification.” added Florian Ruth, senior director of content and communications for the WRC promoters.
“WRC Promoter is working closely with Stilo to develop a camera system specifically designed for the open-face helmets commonly worn by drivers and co-drivers at the elite level of rallying. For this project, it is essential to ensure first-class image quality.”
“So when this camera is homologated, we want to make sure it provides fans with a near-perfect driver’s eye view from the world’s most exciting cockpit.”
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