FIM FRHPhe-02: The New 2026 Mandatory Helmet Standard and List of Certified Models
FIM FRHPhe-02: The New 2026 Mandatory Helmet Standard and List of Certified Models
The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has officially introduced the FRHPhe-02 standard, a rigorous evolution of its FIM Racing Homologation Programme (FRHP) for competition helmets. Starting from the 2026 season, this new standard will be mandatory for all FIM-sanctioned disciplines, covering both Circuit Racing (Tarmac) and Off-Road specialties.
This implementation represents a significant leap in passive rider safety, forcing the manufacturing industry to reconfigure design and certification processes for high-end protective gear.
Evolution from the Previous Standard (FRHPhe-01)
The FIM launched the FRHP program in 2016, based on the premise that civilian standards (such as ECE 22.06, DOT, or JIS) were no longer sufficient to handle the extreme impact loads and structural dynamics typical of top-tier racing like MotoGP.
While the FRHPhe-01 (mandatory in MotoGP since 2019) raised the bar for impact testing and deceleration, the expansion into Off-Road disciplines—characterized by different impact vectors and surfaces—necessitated the creation of the more comprehensive FRHPhe-02 standard.
Technical Details of the FRHPhe-02 Regulation
The FRHPhe-02 standard significantly increases the severity of testing, focusing on kinetic energy management during oblique impacts and the prevention of traumatic brain injuries.
1. New Impact Vectors and Geometries
Testing now includes impacts against oblique and hemispherical anvils to better simulate real-world crashes:
Oblique Impacts: These reproduce falls at irregular angles where linear energy is combined with rotational forces, a frequent cause of concussions in both road racing and motocross.
Hemispherical Anvil: Crucial for Off-Road disciplines, simulating impacts against rocks or irregular, protruding surfaces.
2. Skull Fracture Criterion (SFC)
A fundamental technical parameter introduced is the Skull Fracture Criterion (SFC). Unlike the standard Head Injury Criterion (HIC), which measures linear deceleration, SFC is a sophisticated biomechanical index that analyzes the actual risk of internal lesions or skull fractures by precisely estimating the forces transmitted to the head.
3. Emergency Removal Procedures
The standard mandates a specific test to verify the speed and efficiency of Emergency Quick Release Systems (EQRS) for cheek pads. This allows medical personnel to remove the helmet with minimal neck and head movement, drastically reducing the risk of secondary spinal injuries.
FIM FRHPhe-02 Approved Helmets: Certified Models
The homologation process is extremely demanding, involving independent lab trials, manufacturing audits, and lot-to-lot consistency tests. Below are the pioneering models that have successfully passed the FRHPhe-02 certification.
How to Recognize an Official FRHPhe-02 Helmet
Every certified helmet must feature a FIM Homologation Label with a QR code sewn onto the chin strap. Scanning this code allows for instant verification of the specific model and shell size, as certification is granted per individual size/shell combination.
Approved Helmets for Circuit Racing (Road/Track)
These models must also meet standard certifications like ECE 22.06, Snell, or JIS.
Arai: RX-7V FIM Racing #2 (Successor to the FRHPhe-01 model).
AGV: Pista GP RR FIM Racing #2 (Available in specific certified sizes like M and L).
Shoei: X-SPR Pro FIM Racing #2 (Specially optimized for the 02 standard).
Shark: Aeron GP FIM Racing #2.
HJC: RPHA 1 V2 Carbon / RPHA 01R.
Bell: Pro Star.
Other Certified Brands: Models from LS2 (FF323 Arrow), MT (KRE Snake Carbon), KYT/Suomy, and NHK have also received certification for specific shell sizes.
Approved Helmets for Off-Road (Motocross, Enduro, Rally)
For the first time, these helmets are tested against hemispherical anvils and for rotational force management.
Airoh: Aviator 3 EVO (Certified in all sizes from XS to XXL).
Arai: MX-V FIM Racing #2.
Bell: Moto-10 GP (FRHPhe-02 specific revision).
Alpinestars: S-M10 (Technically adapted for various size variants).
6D Helmets: ATR-3 (A pioneer in rotational safety technology).
Acerbis: Airstrike FIM Racing #2 (Specifically for sizes XS, S, M).
Just1: J18 (Approved in specific sizes).
Final Verdict for Professional Riders
For manufacturers, obtaining FRHPhe-02 certification is no longer optional—it is a mandatory ticket to the world's most prestigious international championships. For the consumer, these helmets represent the absolute pinnacle of safety technology currently available on the market.