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GEOBRUGG SAFETY
REACHES NEW HEIGHTS
· Highest debris fence homologated by the FIA
· New height option created for increased risk areas
· Added level of protection against flying debris for grandstands
20 February, 2025: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has homologated a new increased-height debris fence for Formula 1 and other major championships, which can provide additional protection for tracks with a high demand for safety.
Developed by Swiss company Geobrugg, the 6-metre high debris fence is built to provide enhanced protection levels in exceptional track sectors such as high-speed corners, steep elevations or grandstands which might be exposed to flying debris. Debris fences in other areas of a circuit are usually 3.5 metres tall.
A number of circuits currently use 6m high fences, such as Suzuka, Bahrain, Monza, Interlagos and Fuji, but these are not tested against the highest safety standards. The Geobrugg version is the first FIA approved fence of this height.
Under FIA regulations all new circuits must use homologated products, whilst for current Grade 1 circuits once a fence is broke or damaged it needs to be replaced by a homologated solution. From 2026, this regulation will come into effect also for Grade 2 circuits.
Creating a higher fence helps assist those areas which could be prone to additional debris fall if there was to be an incident. It also includes an increase of cable spacing above a height of 3m. The increased cable spacing at the top ensures maximised vision for spectators in the grandstands and less interference.
The 6m high fence can also be used as a standard product if the circuit wants to provide enhanced safety to those attending racing action.
To achieve FIA Standard 3502-2018 homologation status, the fence was put through a series of demanding tests, including firing a 780 kg sphere from a sledge at 60 kph and a full-size car impacting at 120 kph, making sure it stays within a 3-metre impact zone.
Jochen Braunwarth, Director Motorsport Solutions, said: “Our aim to keep spectators, workers and officials safe on a race circuit has taken another step in the right direction. The increased height of the debris fence provides a higher level
of safety against flying debris which potentially would fly into grandstands or other spectator areas.
“Being close to the action and safety is a delicate balance and most of the time you have been exposed to additional risk compared to other areas. This additional risk has now been contained with a new higher solution providing protection against flying debris from crashing cars.”
Geobrugg has been supplying its debris fences to racing circuits across the globe for over 10 years and became the first to be homologated with its standard fence.
Its fences are used at circuits across the world, including 18 Formula 1 tracks as well as circuits in MotoGP, NASCAR and INDYCAR.
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About Geobrugg
Geobrugg develops and manufactures protection systems made of high-tensile steel wire. These systems protect against natural hazards such as rockfall, landslides, debris flow, and avalanches. They ensure safety in mining and tunnelling, and on motorsport circuits to stop impacts from falling or flying objects. Geobrugg has more than 400 specialists worldwide, production facilities on five continents, as well as branches and partners in over 50 countries.
