FIA and Snell homologations

Arai helmets are designed and built taking into account the requirements of the highest existing homologations, which they comfortably exceed. These approvals, both FIA and Snell, are only a milestone to be passed and not an objective. Our philosophy has always been to seek maximum safety in our helmets. We are not satisfied with just complying with the homologations, and we always go beyond the minimum required. Always in search of excellence.

And that is why our helmets pass the most demanding tests of each of the homologations required for competition, both under the umbrella of the FIA and under the Snell testing scales. In this way, these independent bodies certify the quality of the construction of our products. Ensuring maximum safety when competing in the most important and prestigious championships in the world of motorsport. 

FIA homologations

These are the homologations required and promoted by the International Automobile Federation for the championships that operate under its umbrella. They are very demanding homologations that are structured according to the grade of the championship and the type of vehicles used in these, being the most demanding the 8860-2018 ABP. The FIA homologation tests measure different factors and forces that a helmet can withstand. These include shocks, friction and high temperatures. In motorsport there are three main homologations, valid in the medium and long term. In ascending order they are the following (Subject to the regulations of each of the championships. It is important to know the requirements to be met when competing in a particular championship or event): 

8860 – 2018 ABP

This is the maximum homologation available today. It has a reinforced and redesigned structure for better shock absorption. It has a ballistic protection band against impacts and penetration in the area of the supra ciliary arch (in the upper part of the visor area) integrated in the helmet structure itself. Required to compete in Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3. Valid for all lower categories. No expiration date defined.

8860 - 2018

This is the evolution of the aforementioned homologation. No expiration date stipulated at present. Homologated for all championships that do not require ABP homologation. In force in all categories of closed-cabin bodied vehicles: WRC, WTCR, WEC, GTWC and World RX among others.

8860 - 2010

It will remain in force for championships with bodied vehicles such as WRC, GT World Challenge or WEC (or lower) until 12/31/2028. The vehicle must be bodyworked and with an enclosed passenger compartment, as this type approval does not have the current level of protection against impacts from small objects. It may or may not be equipped with HANS type restraint systems.

Snell homologations

Unlike the tests to which helmets are subjected by the FIA, in the case of Snell certification helmets are subjected to much more random impacts and situations. They are hit at unconventional angles and undergo tests that simulate movements and dynamics that both the helmet and the rider's head may experience. This is a complementary certification to that of the FIA, although it is still not fully recognized by the international federation. In Arai's case, our racing helmets comply with both at their respective levels of requirement.

Currently the accepted Snell homologations are as follows:

SA2020

This is the most current and usually accompanies the major FIA homologations, such as 8860-2018 ABP and 8860-2018. It is not fully recognized by the FIA, although at Arai we ensure that our helmets meet both the standards of the International Automobile Federation and the Snell Memorial Foundation.

SA2015

This is the version prior to SA2020. It is still in force in many championships until 12/31/2023, although some categories are already considering this homologation as obsolete. It is therefore important to take into account the necessary requirements in each case. There are some previous homologations that are still accepted in some lower championships, but they are in phase of disappearance.