The FIA Institute has introduced Accident Data Recorders (ADR) into the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for the first time as part of a programme to bring the technology to all forms of racing.

This device, mounted between the driver’s seat and the door, was introduced at the Italian leg of the championship at Monza and will be tested until the end of the season with a view to becoming mandatory from 2009.

The aim of this FIA Institute project is to find an affordable way to bring this important device to all championships. The information gathered by ADRs has the potential to hugely improve safety but until now the high cost of their implementation has restricted use. This is why the FIA Institute has sought ways to heavily subsidise the cost.

WTCC championship promoter Marcello Lotti said: “We are honoured that WTCC is the first championship invited by the FIA Institute to join the ADR Programme. This is an important additional service offered to the competitors thanks to the good cooperation with the FIA.”