The MotoGP World Championship is heading towards a phase of change. From 2026, all manufacturers will have to adapt to new safety standards.
The world championship of MotoGP it is moving towards a new era which also includes new safety standards, not only a longer calendar (21 GPs in 2023) and new host countries (India and Kazakhstan). The helmets of the pilots are a fundamental part for safety and from 2026 they will have to have a new homologation to which all brands will have to adapt.
The FRHP program (FIM Racing Homologation Programme) started in 2016 to encourage the maximum level of protection of the helmets of the riders participating in the races of the International Federation. The standard of phase 01 it was intended only for track competitions. The first homologated helmet was introduced in mid-2019 in MotoGP and in January 2020 for all other competitions.
The new phase of homologation of helmets
Four years later, safety standards have increased and now the phase 02 of the FIM Racing homologation programme, thanks to the close collaboration between all the main stakeholders and the Impact Laboratory of the University of Zaragoza. This new phase will also concern off-road helmets destined for categories such as Motocross, Enduro, Speedway and Cross-Country.
Phase 02, launched with the help of all helmet brands, goes to define a new standard beyond those existing on the market, such as UN ECE 22.06, Snell M2020, JIS T8133), in addition to the FRHPhe-01. This includes new requirements and tests, for example oblique and hemispherical anvil impact tests, a rapid cheek removal test and the introduction of a skull fracture criterion (SFC). These new safety standards will be recommended by 205 and mandatory from 2026, for FIM riders, therefore including those of the World Championship.
FIM President Jorge Viegas he expects that a large part of the helmet manufacturers will be able to adapt even before the deadlines and “that they can make them not only for the FIM championships but also for the events of the national federations, for off-road safety“. Dorna’s CEO, Carmelo Ezpeletaechoes the words of President Viegas: “It is important that the FIM is fully committed to the homologation and evolution of this very important element. It is also good to see that all the players involved in the World Cup are working together towards a common goal. There is talk of greater safety not only on the slopes, but for everyone“.
