Two years ago, the A.C. Targa Florio launched the Tracking System which makes it possible to locate rally cars in real time during the race. This year the Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally will launch a new innovative idea as a replacement for the traditional yellow flags, although they will remain present as a back-up system.

There has been talk about this for a long time and incidents last year (such as Sola's complaints regarding the problems encountered on SS Langemark) have accelerated the project. The FIA's longtime dream is finally coming through...

The Yellow Flag System (YFS) is entirely based on the Safety Tracking System (STS). Continual localisation and testing with the cartographics in the STS have allowed "Geofencing" and a real control. The use of this technology is the only way to implement such a system.

The YFS is entirely approved by the FIA regulations and allows the race controller to warn participants of possible obstructions on the SS without leaving his seat. This happens through the YF device - a powerful LED display - which is mounted on the dashboard of the car.

All the cars that are between the starting line and the obstruction will automatically receive the YF warning emanating from race control and will be required to slow down or even stop acording to teh circumstances.

The Spanish RACC tested such a system last year, hoping to use it during the 2008 Catalunya Rally. The Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally will at end of June hence be the first to ever use the system in real race conditions.