Speakers from left: James Toseland (host); Vincent Varanges (Doctoral Assistant of Laboratory Biomechanical Orthopaedics); Mathieu Falbriard (Bearmind Co-Founder); Pierre-Etienne Bourban (Laboratory for Processing of Advanced Composites (LPAC) Senior Scientist); Franco Gatto (D-air® System Dainese R&D Manager); Cosima Deluermoz (Foundation Lausanne Olympic Capital); Pascal Vuilliomenet (EPFL Strategic Project Manager), Laurent Hachfi (FIM CTI Technical Coordinator); Dominique Hebrard (FIM International Technical Commission (CTI) Technical Manager); Francesco Bombarda (BER Racing Europe (Arai) Communication and Marketing Manager); Damiano Zamana (FIM Deputy CEO and Operations Director)
Panel One of the Ride to FIM Awards 2025 programme – entitled ‘Innovation’ – was held on Wednesday 15 October at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and was attended by experts from the FIM, EPFL and other leading figures helping to shape the future of motorcycling.
Launched in 2022, the Ride to FIM Awards project promotes the annual FIM Awards Ceremony – scheduled this year for 6 December at the Swiss Tech Convention Center in Lausanne –through a series of events addressing issues of fundamental importance for the development of motorsport. This year’s events – held in collaboration with the host city and institutions – highlight key topics for the FIM and the world of motorcycling, while celebrating the legacy shared with the Canton du Vaud and City of Lausanne that welcome the event.
Hosted by two-time FIM Superbike World Champion James Toseland, Panel One explained how the FIM acts as a bridge between motorsport, academia and industry, leveraging innovation, rider feedback and emerging technologies to advance safety standards. Discussions highlighted how collaboration between industry, academia and governing bodies is driving the development of advanced safety technologies with applications that go beyond motorsport and improve the safety of professional riders.
Through the CTI the FIM presented the next phase of the FIM Racing Homologation Programme that will introduce new helmet safety standards across most FIM championships from 2026. Research also continues into future airbag integration and advanced materials to further enhance rider protection.
Francesco Bombarda emphasised Arai’s philosophy that the best way to protect a rider’s head is by allowing the helmet to slide and deflect impact energy, supported by a strong and smooth outer shell. He also noted the importance of addressing rotational forces, now a key component of the FIM’s updated testing standards.
Franco Gatto showcased the TÜV SÜD certification of D-air® Racing and Street systems – the first motorcycle airbag systems to earn this distinction – achieved after more than eight-hundred tests, reaffirming Dainese’s commitment to evidence-based innovation.
Mathieu Falbriard introduced AI-powered algorithms and patented force and motion sensors that transform conventional helmets into smart technologies, enabling real-time impact monitoring to help minimise concussion risks.
EPFL researchers Pierre-Etienne Bourban and Vincent Varanges presented innovations in composite materials and hydrogels designed to absorb energy and reduce brain injury risks, exemplifying how interdisciplinary academic research can strengthen safety and performance in sport.
The event reinforced the importance of academic / industry collaboration as a foundation for validating new technologies and advancing global safety standards.
The FIM would like to express its special thanks to Canton du Vaud, City of Lausanne, Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation and EPFL for hosting the opening event of Ride to the FIM Awards 2025.