www.cikfia.tv Communication, education and observation

www.cikfia.tv  Communication, education and observation


Simultaneously with the launching of its new “U18” World Championship and Academy Trophy for 13-15 year-olds, the CIK-FIA adorns itself with a new communication and educational tool by extending the exploitation of the pictures supplied by the miniature cameras attached to every kart.

In September 2009, the CIK-FIA introduced the systematic use of on-board cameras. The initial intention was to provide the officials of events with the means to analyse racing facts in order to improve Drivers’ track discipline. The recourse to on-board cameras has yielded the instantaneous effect of making Drivers aware of their responsibilities. Knowing that they are “monitored”, the latter have adopted a much more fair play behaviour. The quality of races, the respect of opponents, fair play and safety: the benefits have been manifold.

Last winter, backed up by the fruitful experience conducted in 2009, the CIK-FIA acquired 300 new cameras, in HD format. All the karts will henceforth permanently be equipped with them in the CIK-FIA Championship, Cup and Trophy events. Thanks to the switching over to HD, we can go beyond the plain function of Drivers observation.

 It will henceforth allow media broadcasting and a pedagogical exploitation of pictures. The quality of the video recordings is such that it can meet the demands of television channels. Eurosport will integrate some footage supplied by these miniature HD cameras (weighing less than 200 grams!) into the magazines dedicated to its coverage of the three rounds of the “U18” World Championship.

As for the CIK-FIA, it is pioneering a new Internet platform, namely www.cikfia.tv. This website dedicated to moving pictures will provide videos of every participant in the “U18” World Championship and in the Academy Trophy. From the first event, held at Wackersdorf, a minimum of one racing lap of each Driver + some so-called ‘‘best of’’ footage are presented, showing that Karting races are incredibly hotly contested and spectacular.

From the second round, scheduled for Alcañiz in Spain, the best lap time achieved in timed practice by each Driver will be on-line and a ‘‘multiple-screen’’ option will enable the Driver to compare his performance with the pole-man’s in simultaneous pictures. This is a fine way of comparing everyone’s driving styles, racing lines or dexterity, and to draw from it an analysis in order to progress.

“ With www.cikfia.tv, the CIK-FIA is reinforcing the pedagogical dimension that it was determined to give to these new Championships; it is also adding a practical tool to its more theoretical educational programme called ‘‘EduKart’’, explained Nicolas Deschaux, President of the CIK-FIA.

 In addition to being instructive for the Drivers and their teams, the on-line broadcasting to the public at large of these pictures on the Internet is an exceptional showcase for the promotion of our sport and the ideal conveyor to demonstrate to what extent competition Karting is spectacular and formative. The pictures perfectly mirror the speed effect that one feels a few centimetres from the ground, the vehicle’s vivacity and the epitome of close racing which is a distinctive feature of Karting. "


- Vincent Caro, CIK-FIA _