The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Environmental Accreditation Programme is a framework designed to help motorsport and mobility stakeholders measure and enhance their environmental performance. Geobrugg has been awarded the three-star Environmental Accreditation by the FIA, making it the first circuit safety solution provider to receive the highest level of recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The three-star rating is reserved for those demonstrating best practice and a commitment to continual improvement through a robust environmental management system.

“Achieving the FIA three-star environmental accreditation is a proud moment for Geobrugg,” said Jochen Braunwarth, director of motorsport solutions at Geobrugg. “Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity. As the first safety solution provider to reach this level, we are proving that high-performance track safety and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. This recognition validates our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the world-class protection our partners expect.”

Commitment to best practice

To achieve the rating, Geobrugg underwent a comprehensive audit of its operations, evaluating 17 criteria including energy consumption, supply chain management, transportation planning and waste reduction. Key highlights of Geobrugg’s environmental strategy include resource efficiency, such as using high-tensile steel that offers superior strength with less material weight, reducing the carbon intensity of transport and installation.

Geobrugg was also assessed on its carbon reduction efforts, and praised for implementing localized production and streamlined logistics to minimize emissions across global projects, as well as a focus on a circular economy focusing on the longevity and recyclability of steel components, ensuring that safety barriers provide a multi-decade lifecycle.

Recent news, AVL and Ansible advance vehicle validation with integrated simulation and driver-in-the-loop testing

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The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has introduced the FIA Driver Safety Index (DSI). This subscription-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution aims to empower public and private organizations to measure and compare driver risk in a universal, reliable and actionable way.

Every year, around 1.19 million people die on the world’s roads. Tackling this challenge at scale is central to the FIA’s mission. By leveraging its international network, the FIA partners with organizations to drive large-scale, lasting change, delivering safer mobility for all.

Until now, there has been no universal way to measure driver risk, making it hard for organizations to compare performance or assess safety measures. The FIA DSI solves this by offering a universal scoring system that makes driver risk measurable, comparable and actionable – regardless of geography, industry, or vehicle type.

Powered by Greater Than’s AI technology trained on over 20 years of real-world driving data, the FIA DSI analyzes GPS data to create an index that reflects the risk of being in a crash. Subscribed organizations can access both a global index and their own index, allowing them to track safety and benchmark against countries, regions and industries. This helps identify risks, compare performance, apply best practices to reduce crashes and injuries and report progress clearly to support ESG goals.

FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said, “For the first time, organizations can measure and compare driver risk in a universal language. Along with our other programs, it gives them the means to act confidently to reduce road crashes, injuries and fatalities. The FIA Driver Safety Index also supports our members in building meaningful partnerships and strengthens their ability to demonstrate leadership in road safety, both nationally and globally.”

The FIA DSI complements existing FIA programs such as the FIA Road Safety Index, which measures organizations’ overall road safety footprint, and the FIA Smart Driving Challenge, promoting safer and more sustainable driving behaviors at the individual driver level. FIA members all over the world will act as a local engagement network, helping organizations adopt the FIA DSI.

FIA secretary general for automobile mobility and sustainability, Willem Groenewald, added, “Engaging organizations across the public and private sectors is the most effective path to transformative and enduring road safety results. The FIA Driver Safety Index uses data-driven insights and fosters behavioral change through active measurement, empowering organizations to demonstrate accountability. As a SaaS solution, it is easily accessible and designed to evolve, adding new analytics to advance safer and more sustainable mobility for everyone.”

Johanna Forseke, Greater Than chief business officer and deputy CEO, explained, “The FIA Driver Safety Index is the perfect example of what our AI was made for: to transform road safety. Through our long-standing partnership with the FIA, we are proud to see our technology enabling a global index that complements existing efforts and empowers organizations to take meaningful action worldwide.”

In related news, From invisible to accountable: measuring global road safety performance

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The FIA has published what it is calling a “pioneering set of medical guidelines” designed to support drivers in managing health conditions while competing safely and fairly across all levels of motorsport.

The FIA states that it has developed the guidelines – which are freely available – in collaboration with leading medical experts, with the document providing detailed guidance on the treatment and management of a wide range of health conditions. The guidelines are intended to assist drivers and national sporting authorities (ASNs) in making informed healthcare decisions, while also ensuring full compliance with FIA medical and anti-doping regulations.

Dr Sean Petherbridge, president of the FIA Medical Commission, said, “The FIA Medical Guidelines are a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support driver health and well-being. By offering clear, evidence-based recommendations, we are empowering drivers and medical professionals to make informed decisions that support safe participation in motorsport. The FIA Medical Commission will continue to engage with drivers, teams and national sporting authorities to ensure these guidelines evolve in line with the latest medical research and the changing demands of the sport.”

By publishing this extensive document, the FIA is looking to reinforce its commitment to protecting and supporting the health, performance and development of drivers across all motorsport disciplines. The inclusion of condition management advice and guidance is also intended to ensure that, wherever possible, health conditions do not restrict participation in motorsport events, enabling widespread participation.

Furthermore, by providing free and open access to the document the FIA is hoping that ASNs will embed the guidelines in national level competitions, supporting grassroots competitors as they begin their motor sport careers.

The publication has been widely praised by drivers, teams and medical professionals as a vital resource that promotes safety, fairness and inclusivity in motorsport.

Dr Vincenzo Tota, official doctor for Porsche Motorsport, said, “It’s a fantastic idea to have Medical Guidelines from the FIA. I read them carefully and I think it is a very valuable document. It’s a really good innovation and a great way to instruct and provide proper guidance to people who might not be so deeply involved in the medical side or don’t have medical personnel on their teams. The guidelines will be useful for everybody, even for us professionals, as they serve as a good reminder, but they will be especially fundamental for smaller teams or drivers who are new to competition.”

The FIA Medical Guidelines document is available here

In related news, the FIA has been working on the development of a steering damper to prevent hand injuries in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Read the full story here

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Cosworth has unveiled its next-generation CCW Mk3 steering wheel, which made its debut at the opening round of the IndyCar championship in St Petersburg, Florida, on March 2.

“Cosworth has been at the forefront of motorsport technology for decades, and our latest evolution of the CCW Mk3 steering wheel sets a new benchmark for performance in IndyCar,” said Ethan Duncan, US motorsport manager, Cosworth.

“This wheel is the result of extensive collaboration with teams and drivers to ensure it meets the highest standards in ergonomics, customization and race-critical functionality. By working closely with the IndyCar teams, we’ve created a product that balances cutting-edge technology with real-world usability.”

Development of the CCW Mk3 began with an in-depth consultation with IndyCar teams to understand their evolving needs. One of the primary focuses was ergonomics, ensuring the wheel simultaneously provides optimal comfort and efficiency. A key outcome of this collaboration was the decision to adopt a gripless design, enabling teams to apply bespoke grips tailored to individual driver preferences. This personalization feature ensures that each competitor can configure their steering wheel for maximum control and comfort during races.

Further refinements include an increase in wheel diameter from 280mm to 300mm, a new design that’s been engineered to meet specific IndyCar requirements for the 2025 season. Additionally, working in close collaboration with the IndyCar medical team, thumb clearance on the steering wheel has been enhanced to reduce the risk of injury in high-load racing scenarios, a crucial consideration in the fast-paced world of IndyCar.

A first for IndyCar

The CCW Mk3 also introduces a push/pull paddle shifting system, a first for IndyCar. Alongside this, rear button placements have been optimized based on driver feedback, ensuring crucial controls are within easy reach while maintaining a natural hand position.

The wheel also integrates a fully configurable 5in TFT display, providing drivers with real-time data. RGB LED indicators, fully customizable for buttons, rotary switches and shift lights, enable teams to fine-tune visibility based on their racing environment and driver preference.

The CCW Mk3 also features 12 front-facing button inputs, four additional rear buttons, four front rotary switches and two thumbwheel encoders, providing control and customization.

“The CCW Mk3 is a game-changer for IndyCar,” added Duncan. “From the push/pull paddle system to the customizable backlighting and TFT display, we have packed this wheel with advanced technology to give IndyCar drivers the best possible experience on track. Every function, every button and every ergonomic consideration has been fine-tuned to deliver precision and performance at the highest level of competition.”

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As part of the FIA University’s offerings, the FIA has launched five new Motorsport Medicine eLearning Modules to provide educational support and help grow the medical knowledge of staff, volunteers and drivers across the global motorsport network.

According to the FIA, each module is tailored to different specialties, offering comprehensive guidance on best practices before, during and after events.

The five modules, detailed below, have been developed by the FIA University in collaboration with the FIA Medical Commission and with the support of the FIA Foundation.

The Driver’s Handbook
As athletes, racing drivers must maintain peak physical and mental condition. This module focuses on fitness, medical checks, event preparation and accident preparation to allow drivers to perform necessary medical checks, follow event processes and manage challenging situations effectively.

Understanding concussion
Concussion education is key in keeping motorsport as safe as possible. This module educates drivers, medical staff and teams on recognizing concussion symptoms, implementing correct response protocols and managing safe returns to competition.

Duties of the healthcare professional
This module is designed to brief clinical staff of all levels on how to operate safely within a motorsport environment. Covering pre-event preparation, in-event responsibilities and post-event procedures, participants will gain knowledge on best practices in motorsport medical care.

Duties of the chief medical officer
Aimed at current, deputy and aspiring chief medical officers, this module provides a framework for leading medical operations at motorsport events. It includes key responsibilities, preparation processes, event-day medical leadership and post-event duties to ensure effective medical management.

Principles of pre-hospital care
This module is aimed at those new to the concept of pre-hospital care and at those already practicing in the field. Covering trauma kinematics, on-scene assessment and emergency management, it equips participants with the skills needed to follow the correct procedures when handling specific motorsport medical scenes at the pre-hospital stage.

Each of these modules takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete and is available via the FIA University website.

By completing these courses, participants will be better equipped to handle medical situations in motorsport and contribute to a safer racing environment.

All five modules are now live and available on the FIA University eLearning platform for existing users: https://elearning.fia.com/learn/signin

New users can register for an account and enter FL044-MEDI into the Branch Code field to gain access.

For more information contact elearning@fia.com

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Cosworth has launched its latest-generation professional motorsport steering wheel, the Cosworth Carbon Wheel Mk3 (CCW Mk3), at the 2023 Autosport International Show in Birmingham, UK.

Building on the company’s experience of high-end motorsport componentry, the CCW Mk3 is FIA-certified and produced using an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. Measuring 284mm, the steering wheel benefits from 14 RGB LED push buttons, 4 x 12-way RGB LED rotaries and 4 x 16 detent thumbwheel encoders, enabling ease of use during competition racing.

Multi-functional by design, the CCW Mk3 has inputs for two push-pull digital paddles and four analog paddles. All of the steering wheel’s buttons and rotaries are backlit and can be fully configured to meet the needs of multiple drivers and vehicles by using Cosworth’s toolchain, which combines advanced math, logic, autocoding and API functions.

All of the CCW Mk3’s inputs and embedded diagnostics system channels can be transmitted over two failover CAN ports for use with other peripheral systems on the car. Other features of the new competition product include a sunlight viewable 1000cd/m2 , 800×480 WVGA, 16.7m color 5in TFT display which is fully controllable and compatible with the entire Cosworth range of ECUs, VCUs, PDMs and data loggers. Alternatively, the CCW Mk3 can run in a full standalone mode with a built-in, ultra-high speed solid-state storage, which offers users up to 4GB for data logging directly on the wheel.

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As part of its Potenza ultra-high performance tire line expansion, Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) is set to introduce a new high-performance driver education (HPDE) and competition tire, the Potenza RE-71RS. Designed for use on track days and autocross and endurance events, the latest offering from the tire maker benefits from enhanced steering and grip attributes and an extended wear life.

For the track-oriented tire, Bridgestone made several changes during development including a new high-grip asymmetric tread compound and pattern optimizations to increase the cornering contact area and improve lap times.

“Our goal with the Potenza RE-71RS tire is to provide a worthy successor to the legendary Potenza RE-71R for drivers who demand the highest levels of grip, consistency and precision,” said Will Robbins, director of consumer product strategy, Bridgestone Americas. “The Potenza RE-71RS represents Bridgestone’s ongoing commitment to enabling enthusiast and grassroots motorsport competitors to get the most out of their HPDE, autocross, time trial or endurance race, all while maintaining street-ability for those drives to and from the track.”

Bridgestone states the latest Potenza RE-71RS tire is on average 0.6 seconds faster per lap around Japan’s Tsukuba Circuit than the previous generation Potenza RE-71R.

The initial Potenza RE-71RS will be available to the US and Canadian markets in April 2022 in 38 sizes from 15in to 20in rim diameters. Further sizes will become available in the first half of 2022

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The FIA has announced the development of a cost-effective impact data recorder (IDR), which the governing body states will aid in reducing fatal incidents and improving the safety level of grassroots motorsport events.

Through a collaboration between the FIA’s safety department and UK-based Aim Technologies, the IDR has been produced at a price point that is said to be attainable by a wide range of teams and individuals. The FIA notes that due to the current price of accident data recorders (ADR) found in professional championships such as Formula 1, less than 1% of vehicles around the world are fitted with such technology.

Graham Stoker, FIA deputy president for sport, commented, “This is a remarkable opportunity to improve safety in grassroots sport worldwide. We have created an affordable data recorder using modern technology that can be used in any championship, and we want everyone in the pyramid to fit this to their competition vehicles. Ultimately, using an IDR has to become part of the safety system in the vehicle, like putting on gloves or wearing a helmet.”

The FIA safety department intends to use the recorded data from serious accidents to improve the survival rate in such crashes. So far, accident data recorded from incidents all over the world has shown that 99% of fatal crashes have occurred in grassroots motorsport, where no accident data is currently recorded. In turn, this makes it exceedingly hard for researchers to learn from these in order to improve survivability.

The IDR intends to fill this gap in amateur motorsport by helping teams to record data easily and cost-effectively. The unit weighs 12g and measures 6cm, making it unobtrusive in the cabin; installation is simple, requiring only adhesive. The unit is maintenance free, and the internal battery is stated to have a two-year lifespan and be capable of recording up to 80 incidents. All high g impact data is recorded alongside secondary impact data.

Complementing the IDR, users will be able to access and download impact data through a secure mobile app where recordings are stored on a cloud server. The app will also enable users to input additional information relevant to the impact data. As well as increasing motorsport safety, the IDR offers the possibility of lower insurance costs and increased track time.

Adam Baker, FIA safety director, said, “By utilizing recent advancements in consumer electronics we have been able to achieve a very low-cost device, making it possible for widescale adoption in grassroots competition. We encourage all ASNs to integrate this innovative new data recorder into their range of safety devices.”

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Currently, professional motorsport is dominated by bubbles. Teams cannot mix with other teams and even within teams, there are separate social bubbles. This can make keeping track of who is where and, in the event of a positive Covid-19 test, who they have been with, somewhat challenging.

However, a new app has been designed to help teams, sponsors and race organisers navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, and eventually, could help teams bring guests and spectators safely back to racing circuits, along with the vital revenue they generate. The Guestia Digital Event and Travel Companion provides a means to track the health status of both staff and guests by alerting organisers to the health status of all app users, and is currently being deployed by the McLaren F1 team.

The app incorporates a range of features including a Health Hub, which allows users and organisers to record temperature measurements, self-report symptoms, provide Covid-19 test results and contact details, record quarantine periods and more. When implemented, this provides teams, hospitality providers and race organisers with a real-time solution to manage attendance at events.

Mark Norris, race operations director at McLaren Racing, explained, “The Guestia App allows our travel team to plan all individual travel and logistical arrangements for our racing team. With the outbreak of Covid-19, the platform enables McLaren to provide real-time information to all team members about the changing situation. It assists us in real-time communication with our team members, enabling us to update them quickly and effectively, keeping their health and safety a priority.”

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Being able to measure driver biometrics is a useful tool for both performance development and safety monitoring. Equipment supplier OMP has been at the forefront of the development of wearable biometric monitoring systems, not least with the introduction of optical pulse sensors into gloves in 2019, which have been adopted as mandatory in Formula 1. Now, the company has stepped up its efforts, and in collaboration with Marelli Motorsport, released the VISM (Vital Signs Monitoring) undershirt.

The shirt is equipped with Sensitex, which combines textile sensors and a measurement unit to record and transmit a driver’s biometric data either to a car’s onboard logger or telemetry system. OMP says that VISM allows real-time monitoring of the driver’s state of health through the elaboration of ECG (electrocardiogram) and thoracic expansion, both acquired by the sensors. The simultaneous analysis of heart rhythm and breath rate allows the driver performance index to be monitored in real time, and so immediately identifies possible states of stress, fatigue and alteration.

OMP says it led the project, bringing its experience of safety systems, homologation test procedures and garment manufacture, while Marelli contributed its know-how in motorsport electronics, data acquisition and telemetry.

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