TOCA – organisers of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship – have announced that all cars will be fitted with an onboard visual signalling system from next season.

Similar to what is currently used in Formula 1, the BTCC Race Control will be immediately inform drivers yellow flag zones, red flag stoppages, Safety Car periods, black or black/white flag notifications as well as other important safety messages via their in-car dashboards.

Developed by Timing Solutions Limited (TSL), the new signalling system will support the traditional flag system and LED light boards that are situated around each circuit.

It is expected that all support championships that feature on the BTCC package will also adopt the system in their cars too.

The introduction is a first for British motorsport and follows other pioneering developments in the BTCC, such as hybrid technology and more sustainable fuel – both of which will also be introduced in 2022.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “TOCA continues to take the lead when it comes to introducing technology, sustainability and safety innovations within British motorsport, and we are proud to be introducing this onboard visual signalling system from 2022 onwards.

“This is a very significant safety enhancement for our BTCC drivers and indeed our trackside marshals, and one which I’m sure will also be adopted by our valued support championships. 

“It’s vital to stress, however, that this important safety tool will supplement – not replace – the traditional flag system deployed by the marshals, which remains such an intrinsic part of the safety protocols.”