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 The review of the apparel requirements outlined in Schedule D was undertaken with the current (2009) regulations in mind and as such there are in most cases minimal changes. Some changes have occurred however given the underlying principle of alignment of requirements between disciplines which had become quite dissimilar and confusing in some cases despite similar risks.
The most significant changes have been detailed by discipline below, though it is encouraged that you review the ‘new’ Schedule D requirements against your current set of apparel.
The 2010 rules are available here.
International events in all disciplines will continue to have the requirements of the FIA in effect.
Regardless of the minimum standards that have been put in place for a given discipline, each competitor should consider:
- the nature of the activity they are participating in; and
- the protection that his or her apparel may afford as it may be that an upgrade would be worthwhile.
For example, simple measures such as flame retardant underwear worn under a single layer suit can provide a good amount of extra thermal protection in the case of a fire for quite a reasonable cost.
Implementation
If you have to update some items, it is important to note that apparel complying with the 2009 requirements can continue to be used in 2010 and it is only in 2011 that the new Schedule D shall come into full effect.
Details of Main Changes:
Racing
The most significant change relates to the requirement for the FIA 8856-2000 standard for gloves and boots. Also added is the requirement for a balaclava, unless you have a Level A helmet. Designed specifically for motor sport use, the Level A helmets have a fire retardant lining affording additional protection over the predominantly nylon, velour or similarly lined helmets which are not motor sport specific designs.
Superkart Racing
There is no change to current requirements.
Rallying
The main difference here is that a standard has been adopted where a suit is required (this is not the case for all rallies – please refer to the table in Schedule D).
The minimum standard is the SFI 3.2A/1 standard which encompasses single layer suits, though of course either FIA 8856-2000 or 1986 standard suits or higher specification SFI standard suits which have multiple layers are also permitted and encouraged. The vast majority of suits that have been marketed for motor sport use in the past several years will comply with these requirements. Refer to the markings sewn into your suit.
The wearing of a balaclava becomes dependent on the standard of helmet.
There is some clarification to footwear requirements but a simple full leather upper shoe that covers the foot is acceptable and most people would have complying shoes already.
Off Road
As with rallying, the SFI 3.2A/1 standard has been adopted as a minimum standard for suits, which most should already comply with.
New for some will be the requirement for a balaclava. Most of those who have moved to a ‘forced air’ style helmet, which is common in off road due to the dusty conditions often experienced, will already have helmets that would avoid this requirement.
Work boots with elastic sides will now be eligible though lace up style full leather or motor sport specific items would provide more protection.
Speed & Regularity
Essentially there is little change to current requirements except for the requirement for shoes with full leather uppers. This does not necessarily mean a motor sport standard boot, and most people would have appropriate shoes already.
Autotest
Some more definition has been included in the requirements, but should not have any effect on what is currently in use.
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