Do FIA Suits Cover Events Which Require SFI Approval?
Racewear guide
FIA and SFI are the two labels you will find in race suits, gloves and boots. FIA is the standard used across most of European motorsport. SFI is American, and it turns up in the UK mainly in drag racing and at events that follow American rulebooks.
So what happens when an event asks for SFI and your suit is FIA? Often it is fine, but not always. This guide explains what each label means, how to read an event's rules, and when a suit carrying both labels is worth having.
- FIA 8856-2018 is the current FIA standard for race suits, gloves, boots and underwear
- SFI rates suits under spec 3.2A, with a number after the slash for the level: /1, /5, /10, /15 and /20
- SFI 3.2A/5 is roughly 10 seconds of protection before a second degree burn
- Some UK drag racing rules accept FIA 8856 suits in place of SFI 3.2A/5
- An SFI only suit will not satisfy a rule that asks for FIA
- The event's own regulations always decide
What is on this page
What the FIA label means
The FIA is motorsport’s world governing body, and it sets homologation standards for safety kit. For racewear the current standard is FIA 8856-2018, which covers suits, gloves, boots, underwear and balaclavas. Its predecessor was FIA 8856-2000.
An FIA suit is tested against both convective and radiant heat. Each homologated garment carries an FIA label, and that label is what a scrutineer looks for. Our guide on how to choose an FIA race suit goes into the 8856-2018 standard in more depth.
What the SFI label means
The SFI Foundation is an American body that certifies racing equipment. Suits are certified under SFI spec 3.2A, with a number after the slash that shows the level of protection. The levels run /1, /5, /10, /15 and /20, and each step up means a thicker, usually multi layer suit.
SFI 3.2A/5 is the level most events ask for. It works out at roughly 10 seconds before a second degree burn in the SFI test. The higher ratings, /15 and /20, are for the fastest drag racing classes and the most demanding fuel types. Gloves and boots are certified separately, under SFI spec 3.3.
| FIA | SFI | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets it | The FIA, motorsport's world governing body | The SFI Foundation, USA |
| Current suit standard | FIA 8856-2018 | SFI 3.2A, rated /1 to /20 |
| Gloves and boots | FIA 8856-2018 | SFI 3.3 |
| Where you see it in the UK | Most circuit racing and rallying | Drag racing and events that follow US rules |
Is an FIA suit accepted when SFI is asked for?
Often, yes, because many UK events that mention SFI also name the FIA standard as an alternative. Santa Pod Raceway’s FWD Drag Series is a good example. Its rules ask for a suit meeting at least SFI 3.2A/5 or FIA 8856-2000 or 8856-2018, and they state that FIA 8856-2000 suits made before 2013 are no longer accepted.
The same rules show where it gets stricter. For the quickest methanol and forced induction cars, the driver needs either SFI or FIA underwear and socks under the suit, or a suit rated to at least SFI 3.2A/15. The gloves and boots have their own requirement too, again with FIA 8856 listed as an alternative.
If an event’s rules name only SFI and say nothing about FIA, ask the organiser before you go. Garreth’s advice is to get the answer in writing and take it with you to scrutineering.
The other way round
An SFI only suit will not meet a rule that asks for FIA homologated racewear, whatever its rating. That is why a driver who does circuit racing or rallying as well as the odd drag meeting is usually better off with FIA kit first.
Some racewear carries both labels. The Sparco Land gloves, for example, are approved to FIA 8856-2018 and SFI 3.3/5, as are the Sparco Slalom+ boots. Suits can be made in versions with both labels, so if you need both on a suit, check the label on the exact suit before you order, or ask us to confirm it for you.
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Can I use an FIA suit at a drag racing event?
Often yes, as many UK drag rules accept FIA 8856 suits in place of SFI 3.2A/5, but check the event’s own regulations.
Can I use an SFI suit in FIA regulated racing?
No. An SFI only suit does not meet a rule that asks for FIA homologated racewear.
What does SFI 3.2A/5 mean?
It is the SFI suit spec at level 5, roughly 10 seconds of protection before a second degree burn.
Are FIA 8856-2000 suits accepted at Santa Pod?
Santa Pod’s FWD Drag Series rules accept them, except suits made before 2013.
Do gloves and boots need approval too?
Yes. Events set requirements for them as well, under FIA 8856 or SFI 3.3.
FIA kit covers most UK events, and it is often accepted where SFI is asked for, but the event decides.
Tell us which events you enter and we will help you find racewear with the labels they ask for.
