ASN Safety Bulletin #39 Circuit licence: Grade T

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to Issue #39 of the FIA Safety Bulletin.

As another step towards encouraging the development of motorsport, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has introduced the "Grade T" circuit licence for vehicle demonstrations, test tracks, and proving grounds. 

This bespoke FIA circuit licence, destined for non-competition facilities, has been developed as a cost-effective way to ensure they also benefit from the FIA’s signature combination of the highest safety protection combined with decades of design performance. 

The FIA has outlined a stringent homologation process that ensures these tracks are up to the same exacting safety standards required for competition racetracks. 

Here's an overview of the systematic journey toward Grade T homologation: 

Before any on-site inspection or licencing can take place, the circuit must undergo a simulated evaluation to ascertain its performance grade. The FIA Safety Department conducts a thorough design and safety study to guarantee that the circuit meets the stringent safety standards necessary for high-performance vehicle use. In a tailored approach, the FIA retains the authority to impose restrictions based on the specific use case of the circuit. The FIA also scrutinizes the operational aspects of the circuit, ensuring that it is equipped to handle the demands of testing while maintaining efficiency and reliability. Once the circuit has been approved in principle by the FIA Circuits Commission, the process culminates with the FIA Circuit Inspection: An experienced international inspector carries out a comprehensive inspection of the circuit to verify that it aligns with the standards set forth during the design and safety study. Once the circuit successfully navigates these steps of simulation, safety, and functionality, the FIA will issue the soon-to-be-coveted Grade T licence.

The June 2022 World Motor Sport Council officially approved this update of Appendix O to the International Sporting Code, paving the way for Grade T circuit homologations, with the wording “the FIA reserves the right to issue licences for international competition testing or for showcasing a vehicle's handling capabilities. Such licences will be clearly identified as for “TESTING” only with the designation “T” and the specific term of the conditions of issue of the licence.”

Among the recent additions to the homologated list is Fiorano, Ferrari's own test track. This famed circuit has recently been homologated to FIA Grade T2 level, accommodating both one and two cars at a time.

The Grade T licence provides ASNs with another tool to encourage motorsport participation within a safe, non-competitive, circuit environment.

To apply for any FIA circuit licence please contact your local ASN who will forward your request to the FIA Safety Department.

For support on any FIA circuit safety matters please contact: circuit.safety@fia.com

Further information on circuit safety can be found at: www.fia.com/circuit-safety

Best regards,

FIA Safety Department

If you have any topics you would like us to cover in future bulletins please send your suggestions to the FIA Safety Department.

To read the other articles about the ASN Safety Bulletins, please visit the FIA website. You can also read by clicking here.

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The "Grade T" circuit licence for vehicle demonstrations, test tracks, and proving grounds provides ASNs with another tool to encourage motorsport participation within a safe, non-competitive, circuit environment. All information can be found on the FIA website at www.fia.com/circuit-safety .

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