The Fédération Internationale de l’Vehicle (FIA) has homologated a brand new, increased-height particles fence designed to offer enhanced safety for Components 1 and different top-tier motorsport championships. Developed by Swiss firm Geobrugg, the 6-metre-high barrier units a brand new customary for observe security, significantly in high-risk areas resembling high-speed corners, steep elevations, and grandstands uncovered to potential flying particles.
Elevating the Bar for Circuit Security
Historically, particles fences round racetracks are 3.5 metres tall. Nevertheless, a number of circuits, together with Suzuka, Bahrain, Monza, Interlagos, and Fuji, already make the most of 6-metre fences—although these haven’t been examined to the very best security requirements. The newly homologated Geobrugg fence is the primary of its type to satisfy FIA’s rigorous security standards, providing circuits a confirmed, regulated answer.
Below FIA rules, all new circuits should set up homologated security merchandise. For present Grade 1 circuits, any broken or damaged fencing have to be changed with an FIA-approved answer. Beginning in 2026, this requirement will prolong to Grade 2 circuits as effectively.
A Smarter, Safer Fence
The elevated fence top performs a crucial position in decreasing the danger of particles reaching spectator areas within the occasion of an accident. Moreover, the fence design incorporates wider cable spacing above the 3-metre mark, optimizing visibility for followers whereas sustaining structural integrity. This ensures that spectators in grandstands expertise minimal visible obstruction with out compromising security.
Our objective has at all times been to maintain spectators, trackside employees, and officers as protected as doable. The elevated top of the particles fence represents a significant step ahead in defending towards flying particles that would in any other case attain grandstands and different weak areas.
Jochen Braunwarth
Director of Motorsport Options, Geobrugg
Circuits even have the choice to undertake the 6-metre fence as a normal characteristic, additional enhancing safety for these attending race occasions.
READ MORE: Prioritizing Security: An Interview with Jochen Braunwarth, Geobrugg’s Director of Motorsport Options
Assembly FIA’s Highest Requirements
To safe FIA Normal 3502-2018 homologation, the Geobrugg fence underwent in depth testing. This included subjecting it to excessive impression eventualities, resembling firing a 780 kg sphere from a sledge at 60 kph and simulating a full-size automotive crash at 120 kph. The fence efficiently contained particles inside a strict 3-metre impression zone, demonstrating its superior protecting capabilities.
Being near the motion inherently carries some degree of danger. This new answer helps mitigate that danger, providing a better degree of safety with out compromising the spectator expertise.
Jochen Braunwarth
Geobrugg’s Director of Motorsport Options
A World Chief in Motorsport Security
Geobrugg has been supplying its particles fences to racing circuits worldwide for over a decade and was the primary firm to have its customary fence homologated by the FIA. At this time, its options are put in at 18 Components 1 tracks in addition to circuits utilized in MotoGP, NASCAR, and INDYCAR.
With this newest homologation, motorsport venues now have entry to an authorized, high-performance fencing answer that enhances security whereas preserving the joys of stay racing.
