FIA
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, usually referred to as FIA, is an international federation of various national automobile, motorsport, and motor clubs. The headquarters of the FIA is located in Paris, France.
The FIA consists of two parts. The FIA World Council for Mobility and Automobile is responsible for all non-sport related topics. Examples of its responsibilities include road safety, environmental protection, and testing new car models (NCAP crash tests). The FIA World Motor Sport Council is responsible for all international motorsports involving land vehicles with four or more wheels. This includes trying to improve safety in motorsport competitions. The FIA is also responsible for the organization and regulation of a large number of motorsport events, including Formula 1 and the WRC.
FIA Standard 8856-2000 and 8856-2018
All parts of a racing outfit, except for the helmet and neck protection, must comply with the FIA Standard 8856-2000 or 8856-2018.
The FIA Standard 8856-2000 could be produced until 31-12-2021 and is valid at the national level until 2029, regardless of the production date of the suit. From 2013, all 8856-2000 homologated clothing is provided with a hologram. Certain organizations only allow clothing with 8856-2000 homologation when this hologram is present.
As of 01-01-2022, manufacturers are only allowed to produce clothing with the FIA Standard 8856-2018. Compared to the 8856-2000 homologation, this clothing is slightly more flame-retardant, but therefore thicker and less comfortable to wear. Additionally, the clothing is valid for 10 years after the year of production.
In the higher classes of motorsport that fall under the FIA regulations, the FIA Standard 8856-2018 is already mandatory, such as Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, but also touring car championships like FIA GT3.
Due to the low number of incidents where fire plays a crucial role and given the weight and comfort advantage that the FIA 8856-2000 homologation offers compared to the FIA 8856-2018 homologation, there is currently no reason to choose 8856-2018 over 8856-2000. However, always check the regulations of the championship you intend to participate in.
Nomex
All parts of the racing outfit have a flame-retardant function and are (largely) made of the flame-retardant material Nomex.
Nomex is a registered trademark for meta-aramid and was invented by DuPont in the early 1960s. It was first marketed in 1967, and DuPont is currently still the largest manufacturer of this material in the world. Nomex is characterized by its excellent resistance to heat as it does not melt or ignite at normal oxygen levels. Of course, Nomex has evolved over the years, for example, Kevlar is often added for even better flame-retardant properties and more wearing comfort for the user.
Note! This manual takes into account the basic regulations as determined by the FIA.
Always check the regulations of the organization/event you wish to participate in for any deviations.