WRC News: Stilo Develops Onboard Helmet Camera to Enhance WRC Television Coverage
In a move to elevate the World Rally Championship’s (WRC) television coverage, Italian helmet supplier Stilo has created a helmet camera system, similar to those used in Formula 1, to provide a raw driver’s-eye view of the action. Stilo is working closely with the WRC Promoter to develop the innovative camera, which has now reached the testing stage.
Helmet cameras have become increasingly popular in circuit racing, with Formula E, Supercars, and Formula 1 utilizing the technology to deliver immersive experiences to fans. The WRC Promoter aims to replicate this success in the rallying world, with the helmet camera being just one aspect of its comprehensive plan to improve the championship’s promotion.
As revealed at Rally Portugal, the WRC Promoter’s vision for the future includes a renewed push to take the championship to the USA in 2026, alongside investments in enhancing the fan experience at events and social and digital media.
“We are working on engineering a camera together with the WRC Promoter. We are testing something with the Promoter,” Stilo managing director Paolo Bonetalli told Autosport. “The idea is to have a driver perception of the car, so it is possible to see exactly what the driver is seeing.”
However, Bonetalli emphasized that developing a camera for rally racing poses unique challenges.
“The difference between this and circuit racing is the camera for rally has to be a very high-quality camera. You see in Formula 1 that the camera is shaking a lot and you can’t see what is happening. In rally, you must have the maximum quality.”
Before the helmet can be used in the WRC, it will need to meet the FIA’s rigorous safety standards.
“It is a big challenge because you cannot have any accessory that is not certified because safety must come first,” Bonetalli added.
Felipe Massa, Venturi, has already utilized a driver’s-eye-view helmet camera in Formula E, showcasing the potential of this technology.
WRC Promoter’s senior director of content and communications, Florian Ruth, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“When this camera is homologated, we want to be confident that it provides fans with an almost perfect drivers’ eye view from the world’s most thrilling cockpit.”
Stay tuned for more WRC news, WRC 2023 updates, and WRC live timing, as the championship continues to innovate and thrill fans worldwide.
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