Electric car firefighting, enhanced safety and artificial intelligence. Autodrom Most is preparing for the 2024 season

In mid-January, work began on the Most circuit to further improve the safety and comfort of drivers and visitors. Construction work will continue until the end of February, after which the Most Autodrom will slowly start looking forward to another season full of top-class motorsport.
 
"Last year, we recorded a record attendance during the World Superbike Championship, which, with 54 thousand visitors, became one of the main highlights of the motorsport season in the Czech Republic. We believe that this year even more fans will find their way to us for this spectacular show. We want to be as well prepared as possible to once again meet the high expectations of riders and teams accustomed to the standards of the world's leading circuits," says Josef Zajíček, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Autodrom Most.

In previous years, the entire track surface was replaced, and therefore this year's construction work is focused on the reconstruction and modification of selected safety zones in turns T16, T17 and T20. Other modifications concern the approach to the first turn T1 with the aim of increasing safety during intensive braking. Another major change is the reconstruction of the curbs in the last passage of the circuit and their replacement with a different type that will suit both cars and motorcycles. In addition, other works are being carried out, such as the expansion of the approach to the pit lane, the installation of new car restraint systems in turns T17 and T18 and, last but not least, further modification of the camera system that the Autodrom is developing itself. Based on the experience from last season, two magnifying monitors will be added, which will increase the viewing options for the sports stewards.

The camera system newly installed last year is awaiting testing of artificial intelligence this year, which will be able to automatically recognize, for example, fire or "non-standard" vehicle movements, etc. At the same time, design and construction work is also underway on a new medical center, which visitors should expect to see in 2025.

"Further modifications are currently underway at the starting tower, in which we want to utilize our experience from recent years. Perhaps the most interesting modification at the control station will be testing artificial intelligence in the camera system, which will help us be more effective in the event of accidents. It will also be further expanded, on which we are cooperating with a local company. We try to advance our race track every year according to the latest rules and safety recommendations," describes the ongoing modifications, sports director Jindřich Hrneček.

New service vehicles are also in preparation for the 2024 season . Two new Hyundai i30 N vehicles will be available. These vehicles will complement the already serving rescue Hyundais - Safety car and Medical car. Another new addition to the circuit fleet will be the rescue special Hyundai Tucson RTP, which is a rapid technical assistance vehicle. This vehicle will be a first-line intervention vehicle and is intended for initial intervention at car races. The vehicle will be equipped with approximately 150 kg of combined extinguishing agent (powder, foam, CO2) and, newly, 15 kg of special gel extinguishing agent for Li-Ion batteries. At the same time, it will be equipped with hydraulic and mechanical rescue equipment. The Tucson RTP has all protective equipment on board, including a special kit for intervention with electric cars.

In addition to the news regarding the area itself, special training projects are also running in Most. "We are launching a unique project in the Czech Republic, the Motorsport Rescue Camp (February 16-18). Its goal is to train rescue and support units in the field of motorsport so that they can function in maximum symbiosis. It is another piece of the puzzle on how to move safety to the highest possible level," explains sports director Jindřich Hrneček about other activities.

This year, Autodrom Most will host the World Superbike Championship (July 19-21 ), which has become a regular part of the Most racing calendar, for the fourth time. In addition to the Superbikes, another highlight of the season will be the traditional European circuit truck championship , the Czech Truck Prix (August 30-September 1), which will once again be accompanied by European NASCARs. The FIA CEZ & ESET Cup (August 2-4) will also visit Most, which will present the Czech and Central European Championship in car racing, Formula 4 and other car series. For all lovers of historic cars, the highlight of the Most season will be the September car festival The Most CLASSIC (September 27-29), which combines races, an exhibition and a meeting of classic cars, their owners, collectors and fans.