FIA Impact Data Recorders: What Motorsport Competitors Need to Know for 2027

From 1 January 2027, Impact Data Recorders (IDRs) will be mandatory for competitors in Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross under Motorsport UK's requirements. Here's what you need to know before preparing your competition car for the new season.

Motorsport safety is continually evolving, and the introduction of the FIA Impact Data Recorder is another step towards improving our understanding of incidents across the sport.

Although small and lightweight, the IDR has an important purpose: to capture objective data when a significant impact occurs. Over time, this information can help Motorsport UK and the wider motorsport community better understand how accidents happen and how vehicles, circuits and safety systems perform under real-world conditions.

If you compete in circuit racing, stage rally or rallycross, here's a breakdown of the new requirement and what it means for your preparations for 2027.

What is an FIA Impact Data Recorder?

An FIA Impact Data Recorder is a compact device fitted inside a competition vehicle. It is designed to record data when a high-G impact occurs, storing that information internally for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

According to Motorsport UK, the device weighs just 20g and measures approximately 60mm x 45mm x 14.5mm.

The IDR operates automatically once correctly installed and activated. It does not require a connection to the vehicle, external wiring or charging, and it can record multiple impacts during an incident. Its internal storage can hold data from up to 80 incidents.

For competitors, the intention is to make impact-data collection straightforward, without adding complicated systems or substantial weight to a competition car.

Why are IDRs being introduced?

Motorsport incidents can happen quickly, and understanding exactly what occurred is not always straightforward. Physical damage alone may not tell the whole story.

Impact data provides an additional source of objective information that can help build a clearer picture of what happened during an incident.

Over time, this information may help to:

• Improve understanding of how competition vehicle accidents occur.
• Assess how vehicles and safety systems perform during real-world impacts.
• Identify situations where components such as seats or harnesses may require further inspection following an incident.
• Inform future improvements to vehicle design, circuits and motorsport safety equipment.
• Support wider risk analysis across motorsport.

The aim is to use real-world evidence to inform safety improvements throughout the sport.

Important: An IDR is a data-recording device, not a guarantee that a component is safe or unsafe after an impact. Its data may help inform decisions about inspection, but it does not replace the manufacturer's guidance, technical assessment or any applicable replacement requirements.

Who needs an IDR from 1 January 2027?

Motorsport UK's published guidance identifies three categories of competitor affected by the new requirement:

If you compete in one of these disciplines under the relevant Motorsport UK requirements, you will need to ensure your competition vehicle is fitted with an IDR for the 2027 season.

If you own or compete in multiple cars, remember that each competition vehicle requires its own IDR.

Competitors who hold a Motorsport UK licence but compete abroad should check the requirements with the event organiser or relevant national sporting authority. Visiting competitors using a foreign ASN licence should likewise confirm the requirements applicable to their event.

If your discipline or circumstances are not covered by the published summary, consult Motorsport UK's official guidance rather than assuming an exemption applies.

How much does an IDR cost?

Motorsport UK lists the price of an IDR as follows:

Item	Details
Price excluding VAT	£32.00
Price including VAT	£38.40
Weight	20g
Dimensions	60mm x 45mm x 14.5mm
Lifespan	Two years
Installation	No vehicle wiring or charging required

For competitors running several cars, the cost will need to be budgeted for each vehicle.

Motorsport UK has made IDRs available to pre-order for the 2027 season. When ordering, competitors are asked to provide the date of their first competition in 2027. Ordering early and supplying this date is recommended to help ensure delivery before the first event.

Teams are limited to a maximum of 10 units per transaction. Motorsport UK's guidance directs teams requiring larger quantities to contact Impact Detect at order@impactdetect.com.

How is the IDR installed?

The IDR is designed to be simple to install, but its positioning and orientation matter.

Motorsport UK's published guidance states that the device should be secured to a solid part of the vehicle's body structure, as close to the centre of the cockpit as possible. A transmission tunnel is not essential, meaning alternative suitable mounting locations may be possible in vehicles without one.

The guidance also explains that the mounting area should be cleaned and degreased with a product suitable for the surface before the supplied adhesive pad is applied. The arrow-shaped body must point directly towards the front of the car.

This is particularly relevant to historic, vintage and pre-war vehicles, where interior layouts and construction methods can differ from those of modern competition cars. Motorsport UK specifically states that the device can be fitted to a suitable wooden body structure where appropriate.

Always follow the official installation instructions and applicable National Competition Rules. Do not assume that any convenient mounting surface or orientation will be acceptable.

Does the IDR replace an existing data logger or G-force sensor?

No exemption should be assumed simply because your vehicle already has a data logger, G-force sensor or tracking system.

The IDR is being introduced under a specific regulatory requirement. Existing onboard equipment may have different recording capabilities, purposes or approval status.

Competitors should check Motorsport UK's official guidance to establish what is required for their vehicle and category.

What happens to the data after an incident?

Following an incident, officials can use the FIA IDR app to scan the device and retrieve its recorded impact data.

That information can then be analysed to help improve understanding of the incident and the performance of vehicle safety systems.

For example, the data may help identify whether components such as seats or harnesses could have sustained damage and may need further inspection.

However, an IDR should not be treated as a definitive pass-or-fail assessment of safety equipment. The absence of a recorded significant impact does not, by itself, establish that a seat, harness or other component remains safe for continued use. Inspection and replacement decisions must still follow the relevant technical requirements and manufacturer's advice.

Competitors with questions about access to data, privacy, incident reporting or the precise circumstances in which a scan may be required should refer to Motorsport UK's published FAQs.

Why does the IDR have a two-year lifespan?

The IDR contains a self-contained battery within its sealed unit. Motorsport UK explains that the battery is designed to provide a minimum service life of two years, helping keep the device compact and cost-effective.

Once its service life has expired, the unit will need to be replaced in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Motorsport UK also states that a recycling programme will be available, offering a discount on a replacement device when an expired unit is returned. Check the official guidance for the applicable arrangements and replacement pricing.

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Get ready for the 2027 season

The introduction of the FIA Impact Data Recorder is an important change for competitors in Race, Stage Rally and Rallycross.

Although the device is lightweight, inexpensive compared with many other competition-car components and designed to operate automatically, it is still another item that needs to be included in your preparation for the new season.

If your car falls within the affected categories, check the installation requirements, confirm the position for your particular vehicle and allow time to obtain and fit the device before your first event.

For the full requirements, FAQs and pre-order information, visit the official Motorsport UK IDR page:

Motorsport UK – FIA Impact Data Recorder (IDR)

At Race Rally Supplies, we encourage competitors to keep up to date with regulatory changes and ensure their cars are prepared in accordance with the relevant rules before heading to the start line.

Information in this article is based on Motorsport UK's published IDR guidance supplied at the time of writing. Regulations and implementation details may change; competitors should consult the latest official guidance and National Competition Rules before competing.