On the sidelines of the Formula One race weekend in Bahrain, the FIA unveils the functions of the new VAR, which will from now on be called the “Remote Operations Centre” (ROC)
Following the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting in Bahrain on Saturday ahead of the Formula One season opener, the FIA released the report on the investigation into the Abu Dhabi incidents, while also providing an update on Formula One’s new video referee.
The system, which is called the “Remote Operations Centre” (ROC), is designed to provide additional support to FIA race officials on the ground and will make its debut as early as the Bahrain race.
The FIA says that the “first phase” of setting up the ROC in its Geneva office is now complete and that further development of the system is currently underway. At the moment, “procedural and regulatory matters can be passed to the ROC”, the FIA statement says.
ROC will not revise decisions already taken
It is emphasised that the ROC will only act in an advisory capacity and will not interfere with the race director’s workflow or delay the decision-making process. With over 140 video and audio sources, Formula One’s VAR is only used as a “supporting resource”.
The ROC, he said, provides the FIA with an additional opportunity to re-watch and review race events and decisions made in order to improve procedures in the future. “The ROC has no regulatory power and cannot be used to re-evaluate or change past decisions,” the FIA said.
The system is being introduced because the FIA has concluded that the Race Director needs outside support to take the pressure off his position. In addition, it would be possible to have a better overview of all the actions on the track.
Another benefit is that the ROC “will become a valuable training and educational resource for the next generation of race control personnel and stewards”. This benefit will later be extended to other FIA racing series and the FIA’s national sports authority (ASNs).