- The technology center has obtained the accreditation from the International Automobile Federation to homologate protective clothing for both drivers and mechanics, from professional karting to Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, and other competitions organized by the entity
Leitat has been working with the FIA since 2008, and this accreditation expands its functions to new competitions
The technology centre Leitat has been recognized by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as an official homologator of protective clothing for drivers and mechanics in all competitions, including Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, Formula E, and all professional karting championships, among others. With this certification, the non-profit entity becomes the only centre in Spain and one of only three worldwide capable of evaluating and approving these sports garments.
After a year of preparation, Leitat has obtained FIA accreditation to verify that driver and mechanic clothing complies with FIA 8856–2018 and FIA 8867–2016 regulations before being marketed. With this recognition, Leitat’s FIA Homologation Area, located at its headquarters in Terrassa, can issue homologation, re-homologation, and review certificates.
“The achievement of this accreditation positions us as a global reference in the field of homologation of high added value protective sports garments for motorsports. It is a recognition of the teamwork within the FIA Homologations department of Leitat’s Advanced Technological Services Textile Area, to whom I extend my gratitude for their commitment and motivation in achieving this milestone,” says Jordi Jamilena, Director of the Advanced Technological Services department.
Although Leitat has been working with the FIA since 2008, this recognition expands the centre’s functions and certifies its ability to approve new products, including all protective clothing for professional karting (suits, gloves, underwear, etc.), adding to the homologation of other motor sports apparel used in all FIA competitions.
Over 100 years of experience in textile certifications and accreditations
Leitat’s response to testing, validation, and certification in textiles is the oldest service of the technology centre and the reason for its creation in 1906. The Advanced Technological Services department at Leitat has over 30 years of experience working under the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard for different types of tests and materials, focusing its activity on the characterization, performance determination, and validation of materials, parts, and components across a wide range of sectors. In the automotive sector, in addition to the FIA, Leitat also holds accreditations from the Renault and Volkswagen to certify textiles and other types of materials and garments for the interior and exterior of their vehicles.
Furthermore, this department has conducted validation tests on uniforms for the Generalitat de Catalunya’s fire brigades, various police forces, the Health Emergency Service and the Red Cross. It also certifies, in compliance with European regulations, motorcycle gloves and protective equipment for martial arts.
