Sports & Leisure

IDIS drives Circuit Zandvoort into pole position for thrilling 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix

  • IndustryMotorsport
  • CustomerZandvoort Circuit
  • RegionEurope
  • IDIS PartnersVan Rossum Facilities (VRF)

Background

Historic Netherlands racing circuit prepares for 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix

The historic Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands has been hosting major motorsport events for over 70 years. In 2020 it will once again be the setting for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Preparing for this globally important event the circuit is being upgraded and the paddock expanded with new facilities. As a high priority, Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis is overseeing an upgrade of IT systems and an overhaul of video surveillance capability to meet the requirements of Formula 1.

Challenges

New suppliers needed, to give back flexibility and control

The first challenge for Circuit Zandvoort was to regain independent control over its systems, to improve its ability to monitor races, observe incidents and control the track.

The existing video system was hampered by lack of functions and poor usability, and it was proving difficult to adapt. To overcome this, Niek Oude Luttikhuis brought together a new team, including IDIS, to create a flexible, scalable solution that would be easy to control and future-proof.

These new project partners were chosen not only because they were experts in their own technical fields but because they had a genuine appreciation of racing and shared Circuit Zandvoort’s passion.

Together, they were challenged to improve video coverage at the track and to enable the Formula 1 organisers to temporarily receive functional authorised access to video data for the duration of the competition.

Solution

IDIS Solution Suite VMS allows smooth switch to better surveillance

At the heart of Circuit Zandvoort’s new system is IDIS’s server-crunching, 64 channel DS-IR300 NVR technology, pre-loaded with IDIS Solution Suite video management software(VMS), which allows all the track’s existing cameras to be easily integrated and operated alongside the latest IDIS 5MP speed dome PTZs and 12MP bullet cameras delivering impressive new camera functionality including ultra-high-definition coverage using IDIS Smart UX Controls.

The system now provides real-time image capture of the highest quality, with no lag, ghost-shadowing or stuttering of images even when cars travelling at incredibly high speed are displayed.

Images on the racing control room video wall are now crisp and clear. And going forward, the IDIS Solution Suite VMS will make it easier to sustain this high standard by allowing cost-efficient, remote firmware updates and system maintenance.

Looking ahead, Circuit Zandvoort will also now be able to take advantage of IDIS Critical Failover technology as a service module within the IDIS VMS. This protects against video data loss due to a wide range of potential fault conditions, such as network instability or power failure. It ensures that recordings are automatically updated without the need for engineer callouts and with no risk of gaps in recordings while the fault is resolved.

Results and Benefits

A future-proofed solution to keep Circuit Zandvoort in poll position

The entire upgrade was completed while the old system continued to run in parallel, meaning there was no interruption to surveillance during implementation, which was essential as the track is in almost continuous use.

With the new system operational as promised, in the control room a rotating team of 10 people work with the IDIS Solution Suite VMS, with minimal training required to use all its features and functions – including easy search and retrieval, and silky-smooth control of the high-definition PTZ cameras for tracking in real-time.

Authorisation levels can be set, giving each individual specific user rights, and during the Grand Prix itself the Formula 1 organisers will also be given access to the system. If necessary, this can also include the ability to view and retrieve footage on mobile devices via the IDIS Mobile app.

"We are all working as a cohesive team, which is great. There is fantastic mutual communication between IDIS and the different suppliers – they think ahead and complement each other. And from the start IDIS demonstrated a deep understanding of the security and operational requirements of our circuit and a passion for motor racing."

Looking ahead, an interactive e-map is already being planned as a system enhancement. Most importantly, the new solution will be easy to expand and adapt thanks to forward compatibility and technology support from IDIS – all helping to keep Circuit Zandvoort in the lead as it hosts major motorsport competitions for years to come.