It's all a matter of timing - spotlight on Al Kamel Systems
In a world in which thousandths of a second count, and where everyone relies on consistent, rapid electronic communication, the image of a timekeeper with a stopwatch and a clipboard couldn’t be more remote or outdated. While, essentially, the role is the same – to record the time of each car on each lap of a practice or qualifying session, or in a race – there is so much more to it in 2014, much of which is never seen by the general public.
The FIA World Endurance Championship has, since its inception, been partnered with Al Kamel Systems which is a specialist in motor sport timing services. The Spanish company is based near the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, and is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary in the business. It currently provides its excellent services not only to the FIA WEC and the European Le Mans Series, but also to World Series by Renault and its associated championships, the FIA Formula E Championship, plus motorcycling championships such as the FIM EWC and all events at the Barcelona circuit.
We spoke to Chief Timekeeper, David Escribano, to find out more about Al Kamel’s role at FIA WEC races and how it differs from event to event. “We are responsible for the installation of equipment, time keeping and data processing at each event, and assuring that the event goes off without a hitch. The processed data is sent in real-time to the organisation, Race Control, teams, TV broadcasters and media as well as to different real-time applications such as the FIA WEC website and its App, in a clear, quick and easy-to-read format.”
To perform this task, Al Kamel bring a team of 9 or 10 people to each WEC event which includes 4timekeepers, 2 WIFI engineers, 2 graphics engineers and one software engineer. Of these, the work of the WIFI engineers – specialists in wireless technology – has increased exponentially in recent years, as has their acquired knowledge as connectivity is vital to the work of a modern timekeeper.
The team also brings its own equipment, as David Escribano explains: “At European events we bring about 2-3,000 kg of equipment in our own vans and for overseas events it all goes in the freight. This includes a lot of computers – 10 laptops, 8 PCs, servers and a lot of wireless equipment – plus about 4 kilometres of Cat5 cable and multiple antennae and routers. There is more at the beginning of the season because we provide systems to the teams which then travel with them, but we also have to be prepared for anything. For example, we also take a tarmac-cutting machine with us so we can place cables or wires in the track if necessary.”
As in the construction of any house, the wiring has to be done at an early stage (before teams and their equipment move in), and the Al Kamel team therefore usually arrive at a track a week before the start of a race. One of their first tasks is to check the circuit’s facilities which will have been detailed in the championship’s Cahier de Charges, or prescribed list of what must be provided. Track timing facilities, power supply, connectivity to time keeping room are all among the many things to be checked and double-checked. Nothing is left to chance.
Escribano: “At Spa, for example, we had 13 antennas around the track, placing cable (small wires) on the track, and we have to check it all works. If something doesn’t work, we make sure we are self-sufficient to fix it ourselves for speed and accountability. Once everything is working as it should be, we put our equipment into Race Control, the timekeeping room, pits, the OB van (we do the TV graphics) and we also provide the service to other areas such as scrutineering.”
While the FIA WEC visits top quality tracks and facilities, each brings its own challenges and peculiarities. With a 14km track at Le Mans, much of which is public roads and highly regulated, there are many more timing points around the layout than anyone would imagine. Al Kamel is full of praise for the co-operation of not only the ACO’s own timekeeping team but also the local authorities who are very helpful in allowing them to carry out their job efficiently.
The 6 Hours of São Paulo, however, presents its own problems. “Brazil is a nice place which we enjoy going to, but it’s difficult to work at. The installations at the track are not permanent so we can’t rely on any equipment being in place there when we arrive. We have to start from zero every time we go so that’s probably one of the biggest challenges we have.”
At all the FIA WEC events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Al Kamel’s own proprietary software is used including the MYLAPS timing system. This offers a reliable and precise product which is detailed enough for professional data analysis by the teams, and equally simple enough for viewing by fans on a PC or a Smartphone.
So what does David consider to be the biggest step forward since the stopwatch? “From a timekeeping point of view it’s the transponders which are fitted to each car and driver ID; since they have become standard our lives have changed. It’s easier with this technology but at the same time our services which we provide are growing every season.
“It’s really complex work which comes to life with the involvement of many people. This year our biggest step forward is the work we’ve done together with Magneti Marelli for the in-car marshalling system. This brings together timekeeping, FIA technicians, the Race Director, all the cars and teams, - it’s a 100% crossover and everyone has had to step up to make sure it works.”
The days at a race track are long and often arduous, but the Al Kamel team is a happy one and that’s by design. Escribano, an amiable and smiling presence at FIA WEC events, explains why: “When we look for someone to join our team, we obviously need technical ability but more than that we look for people who are able to work in the very special environment that is motor sport. You are always on the road, working 15-20 hours some days, so teamwork is very important – you can learn about timekeeping on the job but you can’t change someone’s spirit. If you are always with the same group of people you have to be as happy as possible, because one angry person can make everyone else’s job miserable. We always try to keep smiling even on the dark days!”
Next time you see a lap time for someone competing in the 6 Hours of Circuit of The Americas (18-20 September), spare a thought – just for a split second – for the hard-working and dedicated timekeeping team who make it happen.
Fiona Miller
Photos: Al Kamel Systems' timing services are used by Race Control, by teams in garages and on the pit wall, and are seen in the Le Mans Spirit Club via the TV broadcasters as well as in the media centres at each FIA WEC round.