Using Riedel’s Bolero wireless intercom, Garage 59 improved the reliability and scalability of its trackside operations resulting in clearer speech and more efficient use of RF spectrum.
Endurance GT team Garage 59 in the UK has made an impressive start to the 2025 racing season. The garage is fielding three cars in 2025 and has already delivered a string of strong results across both the GT World Challenge Europe and International GT Open race series. These competitions help maintain the team’s status as a serious contender in the world of GT racing.
Using Riedel’s Bolero (RF) wireless intercom system combined with the RiFace two-way radio interface for race control, Garage 59 has improved the clarity, reliability and scalability of its trackside operations, where it delivers support across the team’s campaigns.
Channel Diversity
Bolero can support up to 250 beltpacks and 100 antennas in a single deployment, due to its dedicated voice codec that results both in clearer speech and in more efficient use of RF spectrum than a typical DECT-based (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) system. Riedel uses its own DECT Receiver set-up that combines a proprietary receiver design with multiple diversity elements added to reduce sensitivity to reflections from multiple paths.
This design helps make Bolero useable in challenging RF environments, controlling fading and co-channel interference and avoiding error bursts, based on the variation in how individual channels experience fades and interference at different times.
The beltpacks each have six intercom channels and can be used as a two-way walkie-talkie radio transceiver using an integrated mic and speaker instead of a headset. Bolero beltpacks support Bluetooth headsets or, alternatively, a Smartphone can be connected and used to receive calls, hands free, and talk and listen via the beltpack headset. Phone calls may also be fed directly into the intercom channels, making the complete workflow very flexible.
Network Modes
To accommodate specific applications, three network modes are available for Bolero systems.
Bolero Integrated makes use of the Artist intercom infrastructure, including SmartPanels interfaces and diverse I/O connectivity. The SmartPanels system separates the panel’s functionality from its hardware and deploys it as a non-specific device, on which different apps can be installed to enable different capabilities.
The Bolero Standalone Link plug & play antenna network suits smaller installations, portable deployments or cases when Bolero needs to be interfaced to other systems, without needing an Artist matrix to set up point-to-point audio communication paths.
Bolero Standalone 2110 (AES67), the newest mode, is used to set up a standards-based (SMPTE 2210/AES67) IP network, without needing Artist infrastructure.
Custom-built Riedel rack integrating Bolero, StageLink and RiFace unit
Close Cooperation
Formed ahead of the new season, the Riedel / Garage 59 partnership has both motivated the team and helped Riedel expand its motorsports presence in the UK. Nacho Lee, Programme Manager Global Events, Riedel Communications, said, "It's also an example of the close cooperation between Riedel's Product and Managed Technology divisions. By working together, we’ve been able to integrate a complete solution for the te am that meets the demands of endurance racing."
Riedel’s Product Division originally introduced Bolero to Garage 59, before the team transitioned to a more comprehensive system in which Riedel’s Managed Technology Division (MT) supplies radio infrastructure and dry hire services for major events such as the 24-hour races at Nürburgring and Spa. The team also has headset kits for helmets, exclusive to MT, and a custom-built Riedel rack integrating Bolero, StageLink and RiFace units. These combined systems enhance in-race coordination and overall efficiency.
"We needed a communications solution that matched the pace and precision of our team, and Riedel delivered on all fronts," said Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, Garage 59. "The clarity, reliability and adaptability of the system have become real competitive advantages for us this season."
Riedel branding is now featured on Garage 59’s McLaren race cars as part of the collaboration. The company will continue to support Garage 59 throughout the 2025 season, with plans for further initiatives promoting the team’s progress and the communications systems working behind the scenes. www.riedel.net
