Impact Data Recorder (IDR)
The Sport
FIA Impact Data Recorders: what you need to know for 2027
From 1st January 2027, Impact Data Recorders will be mandatory for competitors in Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross.
The FIA Impact Data Recorder, or IDR, is a small, lightweight device fitted inside your competition vehicle. It automatically records data when a high-G impact occurs, helping Motorsport UK better understand incidents and support evidence-based improvements to safety across the sport.
Key Information:
Mandatory from: 1st January 2027
Cost: £49.35 including VAT and delivery
Weight: 20g
Lifespan: Two years
Installation: no wiring or charging required
Who needs one: Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross competitors
What is an IDR?
The FIA Impact Data Recorder is a small, lightweight device fitted inside a competition vehicle. Its purpose is simple: to record data when a high-G impact occurs.
The IDR is always active and can capture multiple impacts during an incident. It stores the information internally and can record up to 80 incidents.
There is no wiring, charging or connection to the vehicle. Once correctly installed and activated, it works automatically in the background with no input required from the competitor.
Simply, fit and forget.
Why are IDRs being introduced?
Better information helps us make motorsport safer.
IDRs provide objective, real-world impact data following motorsport incidents. This helps Motorsport UK better understand how incidents occur and how vehicles and safety systems perform in real-world conditions.
Over time, that evidence can help inform improvements to cars, circuits and safety equipment.
For example, IDR data may help identify whether components such as seats or harnesses could have sustained damage following an impact, or highlight areas where safety equipment or vehicle design may need further development.
The benefits are:
- Improved safety through real-world data
- Objective analysis of incidents
- Long-term improvements to cars, circuits and safety systems
How does an IDR work?
How is my data used?
After an incident, officials can scan the device using the FIA IDR app to download impact data from the vehicle.
This information is then analysed to help improve safety across the sport, providing a better understanding of how incidents occur and how safety systems perform in real-world conditions.
For example, the data may help:
- identify when components such as seats or harnesses could have sustained damage
- highlight areas where safety equipment or vehicle design may need improving
- provide valuable information to support broader risk analysis within motorsport and insurance sectors
By building a clearer picture of incidents over time, IDR data can support evidence-based improvements to cars, circuits and safety equipment and help improve safety across the sport.
Do I need an IDR?
If you compete in:
Race ✓
Stage Rally ✓
Rallycross ✓
From 1st January 2027, your competition vehicle will need an IDR.
More than one competition vehicle? Each vehicle requires its own IDR.
Buying your IDR
IDRs are now available to pre-order for the 2027 season.
£49.35 including VAT and delivery
Normal price: £80.
When you pre-order, provide the date of your first competition in 2027. We recommend ordering early and supplying this date to help ensure your IDR is delivered in time for your first event.