DZe-FLAG FOR SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

20/03/2024

DZe-FLAG FOR SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

Another success for the DZe-FLAG which took to the track at Sepang on 8 February for the tests for the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix.

The Grade A electronic flag system designed by DZ Engineering made its debut in 2008 at Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit, quickly distinguishing itself as the fastest and safest method of communication in comparison with all previously adopted solutions up to that time.

Let’s take a step back in time to retrace the most important moments of the project that led to the birth of the DZe-FLAG, an illuminated electronic signal flag system, to understand how this technology has improved the work of track marshals.

Signal flags before DZe-FLAGs

In 1950, at Silverstone (UK), the year in which the first Formula 1 World Championship was held, the task of signalling the presence of dangers on the track by waving coloured flags was carried out by track Marshals.

Marshals are volunteer workers with a certain level of expertise who are also responsible for:

removing debris from vehicles involved in crashes;
intervening with fire extinguishers in the event of a fire;
removing and moving vehicles that have stopped on the track due to technical faults;
managing racetrack communications, authorising rescue operations by medical staff;
ensuring the safety of the race car drivers and all off-track personnel.

The track marshal’s role clearly involves a certain degree of risk, which increases when races take place at night.

DZe-FLAG, its origins and the phases of the project

The aim of the project that led to the birth of the illuminated flag system was to create a useful aid to ensure the safety of drivers on the track, by guaranteeing – thanks to cutting-edge LED technology – perfect visibility in all weather and light conditions, during both day- and night-time competitions.

The DZe-FLAG patent

DZE’s engineering team created the electronic flags based on the guidelines provided by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Compared to other competitors on the market, the system designed by DZE stands out because of its ability to wirelessly communicate with the various components involved.

The patented technology allows the signal flags to be controlled and operated by means of touch-screen tablets, which can be highly customised in a short period of time, without compromising industry safety standards.

Electronic signal flags are unprecedented in this field and represent an element of true technological innovation in the motorsport sector.

What has happened since 2008

Following the debut of electronic flags in 2008 at Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has introduced new guidelines with the aim of increasing safety levels at all international circuits.

New regulations and new standards have been introduced by both the FIA and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and our company has responded accordingly with full compliance as regards the illuminated flags project by becoming certified suppliers and installers of electronic signal flags for circuits of all categories and grades (Grade 1, 2 and 3 licenses assigned by the FIA and Grade A, B, C by FIM), thus becoming one of the three players in the world in possession of the full range of required certifications.