Launched globally in 2024, the IDR was developed by the FIA, with support from the FIA Foundation, as a low-cost data recorder that records key metrics such as impact G-forces. In 2025, the FIA Karting Academy Trophy took the first step toward putting the IDR to use, requiring every competing kart to carry one for the first time. That trial has since become policy: from 2026, an IDR is mandatory on every kart across FIA Karting categories. Continue reading to see how the IDR moved from a single-event pilot to a cornerstone for karting safety regulations.
What is the IDR?
The IDR is a compact sensor (12g, 45 x 60 x 14.5mm) that records impact forces in the event of a collision. The data recorded provides the FIA with insights to improve safety by improving track layouts, barrier placements and providing safety equipment.
Which Karting Categories are IDRs Mandatory?
Impact Data Recorders are mandatory for all FIA Karting categories, including OK, Junior, OK-N, OK-N Junior, KZ, KZ2 and KZ2 Masters. The only exceptions are karts in the Academy Trophy and “Arrive and Drive” events, as they will be equipped as standard.
How to Correctly Install the IDR
The competitor or karting team are responsible for purchasing and installing the IDR. The IDR sensors can be purchased from the official Impact Detect payment portal.
Important: Please select ‘Kart’ as the vehicle type, as the car version is not interchangeable with kart racing models.
To correctly mount the IDR:
Attach the IDR using the sticky pad on the back of the sensor to a flat surface using a mounting kit, which can be purchased from your chassis manufacturer.
Place in the specific area as defined by Appendix 12 of the CIK-FIA Technical Regulations, with the arrow facing the front of the kart.
How the IDR is Changing Karting
Beyond the 2026 FIA Championship mandate, the IDR will become mandatory at all other international karting events — such as the IAME series and Rotax International Challenge — from 2027, with ASNs encouraged to roll it out nationally too.
Confirmed by FIA Karting Technical Manager Thomas Gomis: "The IDR will be mandatory in the FIA Karting Championship, Cup and Trophy competitions in 2026. From 2027 onwards it will also be mandatory for competitions inscribed in the FIA international calendar."
What started out as a pilot at one Academy Trophy round in Portugal has, within a year, become a mandatory safety requirement across FIA Karting’s top categories.