CIK-FIA 8870-2018

‘RIB INJURIES ARE THE MOST COMMON IN KARTING’ Adam Baker, FIA Safety Director.

Combined rib and chest protectors are commonly worn by go-karters under their CIK-FIA approved suits. These protectors are designed to protect the upper torso from heavy impacts. Starting January 2022, they will be made mandatory in all karting competitions on the FIA International Sporting calendar. It will gradually be implemented in all sanctioned competitions.

Major brands, including OMP, Stilo, Tillett and Sparco have designed and are developing body protection products to meet the recent FIA 8870-2018 homologation. The standard was developed by the FIA Safety Department to prevent three forms of injury: - impact with flat or curved structures; impact with steering wheel or edge of the seat; impact with the steering column.

The homologation requires the product to withstand 60J of energy to the chest and 100J of energy to the ribs, while ensuring the maximum force transmitted is no more than 1kN during an impact,

The main advantage of the new chest and rib protection is that it enables free movement of the arms, body, head and neck while driving.