Following the meeting held last June before the 24 Hours of Le Mans and due to previous refueling incidents, the FIM, the representatives of the manufacturers involved in the World Championship and the FIM Endurance World Cup and the promoter Eurosport Events have unanimously decided to take an immediate decision regarding the FIM homologated rapid fuel filling system project with a clear objective: to reinforce safety during refueling activities on the pitlane
Strategy : For reasons of sporting and technical fairness, international standardization and overall cost reduction, all stakeholders have unanimously decided on the choice of a single manufacturer of the FIM approved rapid fuel filling system.
Contract : To ensure the sustainability of the project, the contract with the selected manufacturer will run over ten years in two phases, with objectives covering the first five years, then automatically renewing for the following five years if all performance objectives are achieved in accordance with the contract. The selection of the manufacturer will depend on the applicant's ability to meet the requirements indicated in the tender.
Calendar : The FIM will quickly launch a call for tenders including all aspects and requirements of the project. By the end of December 2021, the FIM will publish the parts list for this FIM homologated rapid fuel filling system. As provided for in the technical regulations, 2022 will be a transition year (no mandatory use, but the system will be available for sale to all teams wishing to adopt it). This will allow teams to find the necessary funding to purchase this equipment and gradually prepare for the mandatory use of the FIM homologated rapid fuel filling system from 2023.
Franck Vayssié, Director of the Circuit Racing Commission
« The FIM, supported by the Technical and Circuit Racing Commissions and in close collaboration with manufacturers and Eurosport Events, works tirelessly to improve regulations aimed at increasing the safety of drivers and teams and ensuring sporting fairness by controlling costs for teams entered in the FIM Endurance World Championship and Cup. The establishment of a single manufacturer of FIM approved rapid fuel filling systems is another important step. Gradual implementation and close collaboration between all parties involved will result in a high-performance system at the best price. We warmly thank everyone involved and will communicate details of the tender by the end of July. »
François Ribeiro, Eurosport Events
« The safety of drivers and team technical staff is a priority for Eurosport Events. After the adoption of the wearing of helmets for all people in the pitlane, the use of FIM approved helmets for drivers or the recommendation of the use of suits equipped with airbags, the use of a safe and refueling system approved further improves the safety of teams in the FIM EWC World Championship. This is one of the keys to the success and sustainability of this championship. »
source: FIM-moto.com
