The advanced FIA 8860 helmet standard, used in Formula One since 2004, has been revised to allow for an open-faced version to be used in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Final discussions will take place this month at the FIA administration office in Geneva with the updated standard expected to be ready for agreement and publishing in Autumn 2009.

Testing with helmet manufacturers Bell Racing Europe and Stilo concluded that the full-faced FIA 8860 could be turned into an openfaced version for WRC. The FIA Institute and manufacturers aim to introduce open-faced helmets in WRC by 2010.

Andy Mellor, FIA Institute head of technical affairs, said: “While helmets currently used in WRC endure crash tests up to 150J, the FIA 8860 standard requires the helmet to withstand higher speed impacts up to 225J, representing a 50 per cent increase. The FIA 8860 helmet offers a very high level of protection due to its unique carbon composite shell.”

 An open-faced version was a logical progression for WRC since most rally drivers choose open-faced helmets for weight reasons, ergonomics and physiology, and because they make it easier to read pace notes and maps.

The updated standard will also include a requirement for a standard frontal head restraint attachment to be fitted on every helmet. This revision, which will be reflected in both the FIA 8858 and FIA 8860 standards, was discussed at the FIA Institute’s latest Industry Liaison Group meeting held on 29 May 2009.