The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced new advancements in driver and co-driver protection in FIA Cross-Country Rally competitions, ahead of the introduction of FIA Standard 8855-2021 seats in certain categories to the discipline from 2027.

The latest generation of FIA-homologated competition seats provides increased head, shoulder and pelvic protection compared with the previous standard from 1999, strengthening occupant protection during impacts and representing another important step forward in Cross-Country vehicle safety.

Already introduced in some categories eligible to participate in the FIA World Rally Championship, FIA Standard 8855-2021 seats were developed to provide a cost-efficient seat inspired by FIA Standard 8862-2009 for Advanced Racing Seats, offering around 60% of their performance and improving occupant protection for approximately 25% of the cost.

Testing during recent FIA Cross-Country events identified that the sustained movement generated by rough terrain in Cross-Country Events can lead to repeated contact between a competitor's helmet and the seat's lateral head supports. While the supports are fundamental to the seat's safety performance, repeated contact over long stages can contribute to discomfort and fatigue.

In response, the FIA carried out an extensive testing programme evaluating different seat configurations and foam materials, including a range of densities and rebound characteristics. When installed in a competitor’s seat, the adapted foam reduced vibration energy by up to 85% during high-frequency impacts between 20 and 200 Hz, resulting in a noticeable reduction in the vibration intensity perceived by the crew.The work has resulted in the publication of the FIA Cross-Country Seat Foam Guidelines, providing competitors with practical recommendations across three principal areas:

• Seating position,
• Helmet clearance
• Headrest padding.

The new guidelines will support the introduction of FIA Standard 8855-2021 seats across Cross-Country competition from 2027, ensuring teams and competitors are able to benefit from the increased protection offered by the latest seat standard while adapting their installation to the specific demands of the discipline.

The work forms part of the FIA’s ongoing commitment to continuously improve competitor protection, using feedback from teams, crews and real-world competition to develop practical safety solutions and ensure Cross-Country rallying continues to meet the highest standards of safety.

Nuno Costa, FIA Safety Director, said: “Through extensive testing, we have been able to understand the interaction between seat positioning, helmet clearance and padding materials, and develop a configuration that significantly reduces repeated impacts without compromising the fundamental safety performance of seats in Cross-Country Rally competition.”

“This is another important step in the continuous development of competitor protection across motor sport, and demonstrates how we can adapt our safety solutions to meet the specific demands of each discipline.”

Jérôme Roussel, FIA Cross-Country Category Manager, said: “Cross-Country rallying places unique demands on drivers and navigators, who can spend many hours competing across extremely rough and demanding terrain. Even relatively small improvements to comfort and protection can therefore make a meaningful difference over the course of an event”

“I am particularly pleased that this solution has been developed in close collaboration with our teams and competitors. Their experience has been fundamental in helping us understand the issue and develop practical measures that respond directly to the conditions they face in competition.”.