Electronic flags to debut in F1 night race

Darius Chang | Aug 18, 2008

If driving while talking on the mobile phone is dangerous, how much more deadly would it be if F1 racers get distracted while race officials are trying to communicate with them via headsets? Thankfully, colored flags are the de facto method in which vital information are relayed to the drivers without causing unnecessary disturbance. For example, a yellow flag means that there is danger ahead and overtaking is prohibited while a white flag indicates slow-moving vehicles (like the safety car or tow truck) on the track.

However, in the upcoming F1 night race in Singapore, traditional colored flags might be a little hard to see despite the nearly 1,500 lighting projectors illuminating the track. As such, 35 display panels using Digiflag (developed by lighting consultants Valerio Maioli SPA) technology will be set up to allow race officials to communicate with the drivers. Essentially a rectangle board of colored lights, this simple but effective device will help racers avoid dangers on the track without having to dial the driver's mobile number.

Via SingaporeGP

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