Safety remains a top priority in motorsport, and the FIA has officially established a taller debris fence to improve protection for spectators, trackside personnel, and drivers. The Swiss safety solutions company Geobrugg developed the 6-meter fence to set a new standard at circuits hosting Formula 1 and other racing events. The design specifically addresses high-risk zones such as fast corners, elevation changes, and grandstands vulnerable to airborne debris.
Enhancing circuit safety
Traditionally, debris fences have been 3.5 metres tall, but some venues, like Suzuka, Bahrain, Monza, Interlagos, and Fuji, already use taller fencing. However, these existing 6-metre fences have not undergone rigorous testing to meet FIA safety benchmarks. With this latest homologation, the Geobrugg fence is the first of its kind to be fully certified.
Under FIA regulations, newly constructed circuits are required to install homologised safety products. Additionally, from 2026 onward, all existing Grade 1 and Grade 2 circuits must replace any damaged fencing with an FIA-approved alternative, ensuring a consistent safety standard across all venues.
A smarter, more effective debris fence
The additional fence height plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of debris reaching spectator zones in the event of a crash. Furthermore, the design incorporates wider cable spacing above the 3-metre mark, allowing for improved visibility without compromising structural integrity. This ensures fans can enjoy an unobstructed view of the racing action while benefiting from increased safety measures.
Jochen Braunwarth, the Director of Motorsport Solutions, said, “Our goal has always been to keep spectators, trackside workers, and officials as safe as possible. The increased height of the debris fence represents a major step forward in protecting against flying debris that could otherwise reach grandstands and other vulnerable areas.”
Circuits also have the option to proactively upgrade their fencing, even beyond the minimum safety requirements, to provide an additional layer of protection for attendees.
Meeting the FIA’s safety standards
To receive FIA Standard 3502-2018 certification, the new Geobrugg fence was subjected to rigorous testing, including impact simulations designed to mimic real-world racing incidents. Testing involved launching a 780 kg sphere at 60 kph and simulating a full-scale car car crash at 120 km/h. The barrier successfully contained debris within a controlled 3-metre impact zone, reinforcing its effectiveness in high-speed scenarios.
“Being close to the action inherently carries some level of risk. This new solution helps mitigate that risk, offering a higher level of protection without compromising the spectator experience,” explained Braunwarth.
A proven leader in motorsport safety
Geobrugg has been a trusted supplier of safety solutions for global racing circuits for over 10 years. Geobrugg was the first company to get the FIA’s approval for its debris fences. Today, it has barriers on 18 Formula 1 tracks and tracks for MotoGP, NASCAR, and INDYCAR races.
With this new debris fence, motorsport venues now have a high-performance safety system that improves spectator security and keeps the excitement of live racing alive.
