FIA homologation rules for drivers
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) is the organization that regulates the most important motorsport competitions in the world and is also responsible for regulating the necessary safety measures that must be implemented by both the circuits, the automobiles and especially the drivers.
Driver equipment is a key aspect of the FIA in its relentless quest to improve safety in motor sport. To this end, the FIA implements processes to ensure that the products used and used by competitors meet the highest level of safety at all times.
The FIA works in three lines:
- Research and development : The FIA works in partnership with the World Institute for Motor Sport Safety to develop standards that will be used by the industry to create the most advanced safety protective products.
- Product testing: Each product is tested to ensure that it not only meets FIA standards, but is also reliable and comfortable.
- Approval mark: The FIA approved label is placed on products only if they comply with
FIA safety requirements.
Look for the FIA hologram and label
Products approved by the FIA are easy to identify as they incorporate the official FIA hologram and/or product label.
Homologation of clothing for pilots (Suit, Boots, Gloves, Underwear)
The insistence on wearing full-length underwear and a balaclava is a result of the long
experience and testing of the effects of fuel fires that the FIA has carried out. Currently there are two levels of approval.
- FIA 8856 - 2018: (Mandatory for F1, WEC, WRC ( P1 ) from 2020. From 2021 also mandatory for Formula 2, WRX, ERX and Cross-Country.). All products approved with the FIA 8856 - 2018 seal are valid for 10 years from their manufacture .
- FIA 8856 - 2000: Its use is allowed for the rest of the championships until the end of 2028.
Approval of Karting clothing and helmets
- CIK-FIA 2013-1 L-2: Specific for karting suits, it offers basic protection against abrasions. There is no explicit expiration date publicly available, so it is recommended to check product labeling for validity.
- FIA 8870-2018: Regulations for karting helmets that consider particular needs such as lower mass and speed. Products under this standard can be manufactured until the date specified on the individual labeling.
- SNELL CMR2016, SNELL K2015 and SNELL K2020: Snell specifications for karting helmets, with each standard reflecting specifications valid until the next update.
Homologation of motorsport helmets
- FIA 8858-2010: Regulations for head restraint systems (HANS devices), with no specific expiration date mentioned.
- FIA 8859-2015: Applicable to helmets in a wide range of motorsports, with no specific expiration date mentioned.
- SA2020: Snell standard for helmets, current until the next update (generally every 5 years).
- FIA 8860-2018 and 8860-2018 ABP: Set the highest standards for helmets, the ABP version includes advanced projectile protection. Products under this standard can be used up to 10 years after their manufacture.