The FIM Commission has approved the new helmets rule for all circuit racing including MotoGP from the new season onward.
The Commission sat together during the Malaysian GP and took several decisions regarding the technical matters including regulating the helmets to be used in the FIM-backed championships from 2019 onward.
The change will see riders using only the FIM homologated helmets which will replace the existing international standard helmets from ECE, Snell and JIS. The homologation is already underway with the FIM conducting tests with few manufacturers.
The FIM intends to present the list of manufacturers approved by the FIM Racing Homologation Programme to provide the helmets and also the ones which are trying to pass the test during the Valencia GP.
The statement states:
“Following the decision of the last Grand Prix Commission, who gathered in Sepang (MAL) on November 3 2018, the use of FIM homologated helmets will be mandatory for all riders accessing FIM Grand Prix competitions starting from next year. The FIM homologation will be thus required for the helmets in place of the international standards (ECE, Snell and JIS) to which the FIM referred solely to until now.
“Relatively to the international standards previously referred to, the FIM homologated helmets have undergone an enhanced and more complete evaluation of their performance; this includes an assessment of the protection against low, medium and high velocity linear impacts, oblique impacts and penetration.
“The FIM Homologation Label will uniquely identify each helmet that access FIM Grand Prix competitions and will be an efficient tracking tool for Technical Stewards. By scanning the label QR code, information relative to the helmet features and the validity of the homologation will be accessible.
“A link to the tradename webpage will be also available for redirection to the advertising and the web services offered by each single manufacturer. Further, the 3D FIM Hologram will add a high security value to the label in order to guarantee maximum trust in the homologation.
“This is a true example of technology at the service of sport and safety, we are very proud that this Programme’s launch is under way and that the industry and the whole racing community have welcomed these changes,” explained Fabio Muner, FIM Sports Director.
“It is the intention of the FIM to publish by the Valencia GP a list of the helmets manufacturers that have been approved through the FIM Racing Homologation Programme and of those which are working to achieve this.”
Among others, the FIM decided to alter the rule regarding speeding in the pitlane. Currently, there is a standard fine of 200 euros but in the future, the stewards can impose larger fines if the riders are repeat offenders.
Other changes include:
Data Analysis – MotoGP Class: The Technical Director has been granted authority to download data directly from the ECU to the “Official PC” for the purpose of verifying that it has not been modified from its original recording. Once it is established that the data complies with the FIM regulations it will be deleted from the Official PC.
ECU and Connections – MotoGP Class: In addition to the official ECU and IMU teams are now restricted to only using the official unified CAN decoupler which may also not be modified or have additions. The unified Can decoupler is categorised as a “Free Device”
Ambient Fuel Temperature – MotoGP Class: The lead time between the announcement of the official ambient temperature and the start of the race has been increased from 60 to 75 minutes. This is to give teams more time to complete the fuelling process.
