Helmet technology has come a long way from the days of flimsy open-face lids and basic foam padding. Most of us throw on a helmet without giving it a second thought. It’s just part of the routine. But inside that shell is a ton of clever engineering designed to manage impact energy, reduce brain trauma, and keep your skull intact when things go wrong.
Over the years, standards like DOT, ECE, and Snell pushed brands to step up their game. Racing, though, is a different beast altogether.
That’s where the FIM Racing Homologation Program comes in. Back in 2019, the FIM rolled out its first dedicated racing helmet standard. It was already stricter than most street certifications. But in 2022, they raised the bar again with FRHPhe-02, and as of January 2026, this new standard is now mandatory for top-tier series like MotoGP, WorldSBK, and endurance racing. If you’re lining up on a grid, your helmet now needs that extra FIM stamp of approval.
So what makes FRHPhe-02 so special? For starters, it looks at real crash scenarios instead of just straight-on hits. Helmets are now tested against angled anvils to simulate glancing blows, the kind that twist your head and cause rotational forces. There are also hemispherical impact tests designed to better understand how the brain reacts to curved surfaces. On top of that, the FIM introduced something called the Skull Fracture Criterion, which literally measures the risk of your skull cracking under heavy impact.
Surely, all this isn't exactly bedtime reading, but it's all still pretty important stuff. There’s even a test for quick-removal cheek pads, making sure medics can safely get your helmet off after a crash. All this means that even if your helmet is ECE 22-06 certified, that’s no longer enough for serious racing. You now need the FIM homologation label stitched onto the chin strap. No label, no dice.
As of now, the list of helmets that actually meet the FRHPhe-02 standard is still surprisingly short. On the circuit side, approved lids include the Arai RX-7X FIM Racing#2, AGV Pista GP RR FIM Racing#2, HJC RPHA 1 V2 Carbon, Scorpion EXO Race Air, Shark Aeron GP, and the Just1 J-GP R. For off-road racing, models like the Acerbis Airstrike FIM Racing#2, Airoh Aviator 3 Evo, and the newly added Arai MX-V EVO FIM Racing#2 have also earned homologation.
What’s interesting is who’s missing. Shoei still doesn’t have a confirmed FRHPhe-02-approved helmet. Same story with Nolan, as well as many other smaller European helmet makers. FIM says a bunch of manufacturers are still deep in testing, so more approvals could drop soon. But for now, those big brands are playing catch-up.
With 2026 already off to a start, this is your sign to start checking your gear. Racers should go through their helmet collection and look for that FIM label. Trackday riders should do the same, especially if your local circuit or club follows FIM rules. It’s also worth asking organizers what they’ll require moving forward. Safety standards keep evolving for a reason, and making sure your lid is up to spec isn’t just about staying legal. It’s about stacking the odds in your favor when things don’t go to plan.
Sources: FIM, Moto-Station
