New Tracking System at the Dubai International Rally 2012
Testing the Tracking System
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 19, 2012: The Dubai International Rally hosted a test of an advanced performance tracking system designed to minimize deviations from the prescribed course. This system will be implemented in the International Automobile Federation (FIA) championships across the Middle East starting next month in Qatar.
How the System Works
The tracking device is installed in the participating vehicles to monitor any deviations that exceed the legally permissible limit of ten meters. This allows race organizers to impose appropriate penalties in real-time.
The newly developed system aims to ensure a higher level of fairness in races, replacing harsh penalties with more reasonable consequences, enabling offenders to continue competing.
Adoption of the System in Championships
The new tracking system has been approved for use in the 2013 Middle East Rally Championships by the World Motor Sport Council as part of a series of measures to enhance the regional racing series.
The initiative was proposed by Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Emirates Motorsports Club, which organizes the Dubai International Rally, and the Vice President of the FIA, the global governing body for motorsport.
Kickoff of the 2013 Season
As the Qatar International Rally is set to take place on January 25-26, marking the start of the 2013 championship season, Sulayem stated, "We hope that the steps we have taken will attract more interest and participation from young Arab drivers, ushering in a new era for the championship."
Positive Feedback
The tracking system has received a warm welcome from drivers, including Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, who retained his title in the Middle East Championship after winning for the sixth consecutive time in Dubai.
Al-Attiyah commented, "I believe the system will be very beneficial and will have a positive impact on the championship in the future. It is important for all drivers to respect the system, as many of them may not realize they are taking corners incorrectly and the consequences of that. I made that mistake during the last rally."
New Championships within the FIA
The revamped FIA Middle East Championship will include new and parallel competitions for Group N cars, young drivers, and two-wheel drive vehicles, as well as the introduction of the "T3" class for both two- and four-wheel drive vehicles.
FIA Middle East Championship Events Schedule
- January 25-26: Qatar International Rally
- March 21-23: Kuwait International Rally
- May 9-11: Jordan Rally
- September 6-8: Lebanon Rally 36
- October 3-5: Syria International Rally (tentatively included in the 2014 championship)
- November 1-3: Cyprus Rally
- November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
