The FIM is pleased to announce that FIM homologation has been granted for the new ARAI Circuit Racing helmet, the RX-7V FIM Racing#2 model, this being the first under FRHPhe-02.

The phase 02 of the FIM Racing Homologation Programme for helmets (FRHPhe-02) was launched in November 2022.  From the outset the aim of the FRHPhe-02 was to improve riders’ head protection in other disciplines. This phase 02 has been established, with the collaboration of the helmet manufacturers, in order to define a new standard that goes above and beyond the existing ones on the market (e.g., UN ECE 22.06, Snell M2020, JIS T8133), and above the FRHPhe-01.

Relative to the standards previously referred to, the FRHPhe-02 standards have undergone an enhanced and more complete evaluation of their performance, in addition to being previously certified as compliant with an international standard (with impacts randomly in 9 to 13 out of 22 pre-established locations distributed over the helmet surface). This includes new threshold requirements and new impacts and tests, such as new impact tests against oblique anvils, impact tests against hemispherical anvils (to measure rotational solicitations generated in impacts), a quick-removal cheek pad test, and the introduction of a Skull Fracture Criterion (SFC).

The FIM intends to keep increasing the level of safety for riders with the new FIM helmet standard (FRHPhe-02), which will be strongly recommended as of 2025 and become mandatory as of 2026 for FIM events (except for Trial, Pedelecs, SSV and Land Speed World Records (Streamliners only) riders). 

The FIM applauds ARAI R&D, as it introduces the first FIM Circuit Racing homologated helmet, under this new programme, and is permitted in FIM Circuit Racing events with immediate effect. This helmet comes with a standard ECE 22-06 certification and has successfully passed all tests of the FIM Helmet Standard FRHPhe-02.

The new helmet is available in sizes from the XS to the XXXL, with the homologation being confirmed by the presence of the FIM homologation label sewn on the chin strap.

Jorge Viegas, FIM President: “The FRHPhe-02 represents a milestone in increasing the level of safety for riders, and exceeds the FRHPhe-01 requirements introduced in Circuit Racing Championships in 2019. On behalf of the FIM I would like to congratulate ARAI on their commitment to improve riders’ head protection, and to announce the first homologated helmet model, the RX-7V FIM Racing#2, under this new programme.”

Mr. Michio Arai, CEO and President, Arai Helmet, Limited added: “This news from the FIM would suggest that Arai has been walking on the right path for decades. Let me express my cordial thanks to the FIM on behalf of all working at Arai.”