The new standard FIA 8860-2019

THE NEW SAFETY TOP STANDARD
The end of 2017 FIA released a new helmet standard that will become mandatory from season 2019 in Formula 1 and in the World Rally Championship for P1 crew.

“The current top-end helmets are already the safest in the world but the new standard will take them to the next level. It is important for all of our safety research that we continually strive to improve and this is why we are requiring all manufacturers to meet this tougher standard for our championships”.
Former FIA Safety Director Laurent MekiesFIA

The new standard, called FIA 8860-2018, offers a number of improved safety features: the increase in energy absorption, an extended area of protection for drivers and the ABP – Advanced Ballistic Protection, that you can see in the below comparative summary between FIA8860-2010 and FIA8860-2018.

	FIA 8860 – 2018	FIA 8860 – 2018 ABP
	Requires a pre-certification of the helmet	Stand-alone Standard ABP version & STD version
Linear impact	Headform mass = 5Kg @ 9.5 m/s Peak deceleration < 300g	Variable mass headforms Peak deceleration < 275g Energy absorption increase of 12% and 22% for large helmet sizes.
Low velocity impact	–	Low velocity test @ 6 m/s to prevent “excessive” optimization at higher impact velocities.
Extent area of protection	–	To improve compatibility with modern cars which provide head support. [headrests and head protection systems].
Advanced Ballistic Protection *ONLY WITH FIA 8860-2018 ABP certified versions	DESIGN STANDARD – Zylon panel to be added to increase protection for set categories	PERFORMANCE STANDARD (ABP integrated into the shell). Ballistic test has been developed, based on military ballistic specifications. Projectiles weighing up to 225 grams, travelling at 250 kmh. Eyeport is lowered by 10 mm.

Stilo worked closely with FIA throughout this process and has been the first helmet manufacturer in the world to reach this exclusive standard with Stilo ST5FN Zero ABP 8860-2018, approved and certified by the FIA.

One of the most impressive innovations introduced by the new homologation is the ABP, acronym for Advanced Ballistic Protection, that was specifically thought for open cars to further strengthen the helmet in the forehead area, replacing the zylon panel currently in use for F1, F2, GP3 and Indycar. After the Halo cockpit protection system the new homologation was written to reduce the risk of injury from debris or other objects striking a driver’s head.

FIA has made a plan of making the new standard mandatory for more Championships in different professional categories, in a 3 year time frame with the aim of making motorsport safer and safer as per the below chart.

FIA 8860 – 2018
When	Where is it becoming mandatory?
2019	Formula 1, Formula 2, FIA World Rally Championship
2020	Formula E, WEC
2021	Formula 3

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