If you are considering a performance seat upgrade then you are probably aware that some seats carry an FIA certification, but you may be unsure what these standards actually mean and whether they are even relevant to you. If that’s the case, read on…
Founded in 1904, with headquarters in Paris, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is a non-profit making association which is the governing body for world motorsport.
Amongst other roles, the FIA establishes certification standards for racing components, including seats. The purpose of such certification is primarily safety, covering things like impact resistance and flame retardancy. Because speeds are higher, forces larger, and the risk of impacts is much greater, regular road-going equipment is generally not permitted.
However, because most forms of motorsport are different, the demands and risks involved also differ greatly (Lotus Cup racing Vs F1, for example). For this reason the FIA often has different certification standards for different types of racing. To further complicate matters, these standards are often developed or superceded over time.
When it comes to seats, there are 3 main standards - FIA 8862-2009, FIA 8855-2021, and FIA 8855-1999. These standards differ in their performance and safety requirements, as well as the prescribed testing methods. Expiry dates can also vary with some seats being valid to race over a longer period of time (all race seats have a homologation label carrying a ‘not valid after’ date).
Carrying an FIA validity of 10-years, FIA 8862-2009 is currently the highest FIA standard and is designed to ensure improved strength and support during rear impacts together with more extensive support to the pelvis, shoulder, and head during side impacts. As you would expect, the test methods involved are the most stringent, including impact testing to around 70G. Material requirements are also unique, requiring energy absorbing foam to the head, shoulder, and pelvis areas.
Which championships require 8862-2009?
This standard is compulsory for FIA world championships, including GT3, WRC, S2000, Rally 2 and ERC.
FIA 8855-2021 standard was essentially introduced as an upgrade to 8855-1999. The FIA has announced a roadmap for this standard to replace 8855-1999 in some motorsport classes over time, although the roll-out will not affect all championships, as some cars cannot accommodate their design requirements. Testing involves exposing the seat shell to both rear and lateral impacts, and is designed to offer accident protection up to 42G. As with 8862-2009, seats certified to 8855-2021 are issued with a 10-year validity.
Which championships require 8855-2021?
Whilst accepted universally, 8855-2021 is only mandated in some motorsport classes at the moment. The new seat standard will be implemented first into higher tier International Rally and Cross-Country events, whilst at a national level it is the decision of the local governing body (such as Motorsport UK) to determine how and when they will roll-out the new regulations.
Accepted by the majority of US sanctioning bodies, and the active standard amongst lots of national and international motorsport championships, FIA 8855-1999 will gradually be replaced over time by 8855-2021, but will remain where certain vehicle interiors cannot accept the newer standard. FIA 8855-1999 seats are valid for racing for 5-years (8 years in some cases within UK stage rallying), and are impact tested to 15-20G.
Which championships require 8855-1999?
The FIA 8855-1999 is the standard commonly required for most forms of national regulated motorsport.
If you are racing, then the answer is simple - you must use the minimum approved standard as determined by the race championship you intend to compete in. As mentioned above, things do change over time and you may find that a new standard will eventually supercede the current one. In some circumstances you may decide to opt for a higher certification seat for the additional safety features, although bear in mind that the FIA sets standards based on the risks associated with specific forms of racing.
To put the FIA 8862-2009’s 70G impact testing into perspective, consider that Romain Grosjean’s first lap crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix sent the driver into a barrier at close to 200 kph, with a recorded impact of 67G.
Tillett currently have 3 FIA certified racing seats: the B6 Screamer, the C1 and the B7 Epoxy.
Regulations for track days often amount to a valid driving licence, a car with functioning lights and seat belts and a helmet. Here, no FIA certification is needed at all, and you have greater freedom when it comes to choosing a performance seat upgrade.
This means that you can choose a seat which carries certain features designed for the road, without compromising any performance. The NEW Tillett B10 is a perfect example of a seat which utilises the same technologies, construction techniques and materials as our race approved seats, but with lowered side supports for ease of daily driving access and the use of a 3-point seat belt.
Tillett Racing Seats look, feel and perform differently to any other seat on the market today. This is thanks to a unique (and closely guarded) manufacturing system which is part craftsmanship, part technical know-how and part materials technology.
From research and design to prototype testing and manufacture by hand - every step of our process is rooted in no-compromise quality. To learn more, get in touch with us via our online contact form.
