Why buy a Motordrive race and rally seat?
All Motordrive motorsport seats have been tested to meet FIA safety standards. We manufacture in the UK under strict quality controls, compete in motorsport and provide expert advice to our customers. Motordrive offer high quality bucket seats for pretty much every discipline of motorsport which can be bought as classic models via the web-shop or as custom fit seats for additional safety and comfort. We also offer you the option of personalising your seat and are the only manufacturer to offer a re-certification service (two year seat life extension) – see below. We are not just a retailer, we design and manufacture our racing seats and we compete in motorsport. We consider ourselves part of the motorsport community and our highly experienced team is on hand to advise you in motorsport seat safety, regulations and performance – Service|Safety|Style is what we are about at Motordrive.
Which model and size of motorsport racing seat to choose?
When buying an FIA racing seat you should consider your motorsport regulations, the space in your car and your own body size. Most UK national events are governed by Motorsport UK and require FIA8855-1999 seats. If you are not using your car on the public road, and have space in your car, we recommend seats with side head protection such as our Race range, otherwise choose a Pro bucket seat. Motorsport seats come in different sizes so take a look at our seat size guides to choose a model that is safe and comfortable for you. For advice on motordrive racing seat selection You can complete our seat sizing form and send it back to us so that we can help you with which seat we would recommend. You can contact us by phone or alternatively you can visit our showroom in Leyland for a motorsport seat fitting and have a custom FIA racing seat bespoke to your specific requirements. Our team is on hand to advise you and is highly experienced in motorsport and seat safety – Service|Safety|Style is what we are about at Motordrive.
For international events, advanced motorsport or additional safety features please refer to the motordrive FIA8862-2009 seat range or the latest news of the FIA8855-2021 MD30 seat.
I want a custom fit FIA approved bucket racing seat?
Your motorsport seat is a critical piece of safety equipment. For it to work effectively it must hold you securely throughout your body and work in tandem with your harness and FHR (hans device). As we are all different shapes and sizes, finding an off the shelf perfect seat is difficult. You wouldn’t use a helmet that didn’t fit you so why compromise with an ill-fitting seat? At Motordrive we offer a fitting service whereby we select the model of bucket seat that works best with your size, custom pad the racing seat to you, adjust the leg and lumbar support to match your requirements and position you correctly to ensure that your harnesses will protect you in the event of an accident. In addition to improved safety, having a custom fit racing seat also offers comfort and a performance advantage as you can better feel the handling of the car through your backside. Custom fitting is available across all of the motordrive seat range and a seat fitting can be arranged by contacting us.
What is involved in a custom fitting for a motordrive FIA racing seat?
As we are all different shapes and sizes we understand that it can be difficult to find a racing seat to fit you.
At motordrive we offer a custom seat fitting service. We invite you for a fitting at our showroom and start with identifying the model and shell size which is closest to your body shape. Our seat experts will then individually pad the shell around your body and make adjustments for factors such as leg position, lumbar support and your height in the seat. Particular attention is paid to safety with a focus on the position of harness holes, spine protection, head alignment and more. We recommend a fitting service for those competitors who prioritise safety, who will be in their seats for a long time, may have suffered injury or whose body shape is not suited to a standard size of seat. Please get in touch to book a seat fitting appointment.
Which is the most comfortable racing bucket seat?
As we are all different shapes and sizes, finding an off the shelf perfect seat can be difficult. Long-distance events can also be a challenge in terms of comfort for competitors who are sat in the same motorsport seat for hours or even days at a time. At Motordrive we offer a fitting service whereby we select the model of bucket seat that works best with your size, custom pad the racing seat to you, adjust the leg and lumbar support to match your requirements and position you correctly to ensure that your harness will protect you in the event of an accident. In addition to improved comfort and safety, having a custom fit racing seat also offers a performance advantage as you can better feel the handling of the car through your backside. Custom fitting is available across all of the motordrive seat range and we are here to listen to your needs so please get in touch for a conversation with one of our friendly seat experts.
Which is the safest racing seat?
By choosing an FIA approved racing seat you are choosing a model that has been tested against FIA safety standards. Does this mean you are safe? Unfortunately motorsport is dangerous and so there are no guarantees of safety however the FIA have determined stress parameters for competition seats and it is these which determine the required strength of homologated racing seats. Manufacturers of FIA seats are also required to comply with ongoing quality standards and are accountable to the FIA. There are three FIA safety standards: FIA8855-1999, FIA 8855-2021 and FIA 8862-2009. Most UK motorsport requires competitors to use seats homologated to the FIA8855-1999 standard whilst top tier and/or international motorsport will require either an FIA8855-2021 or FIA8862-2009 advanced racing seat which are designed to withstand greater impacts at higher speeds. At motordrive all of our seats are designed and manufactured to comply with FIA regulations and we offer models across all of the FIA safety standards. For additional safety we offer a fitting service whereby we select the model of bucket seat that works best with your size, custom pad the racing seat to you, adjust the leg and lumbar support to match your requirements and position you correctly to ensure that your harnesses will better protect you in the event of an accident. Just because a seat is FIA approved does not mean that it is safe for you, please take time to select a size of seat that will hold your body securely, protects your head and positions your harness to work effectively along with your hans device. The motordrive team of friendly seat experts are on hand to help with your questions on seat safety so please get in touch.
How do I know that my motorsport seat is safe?
Motorsport is dangerous and therefore the quality of your safety equipment and the way you use it is vital to protect you in the event of an accident. By choosing an FIA approved racing seat you are choosing a model that has been tested against FIA safety standards. Although there are unfortunately no guarantees that a competitor will be unharmed in an accident the FIA has determined what they consider to be the minimum stress tests that seats should withstand. It is important to recognise however that just because a seat is FIA approved it does not mean that it is safe for you, please take time to select a size of seat that will hold your body securely, protects your head and positions your harness to work effectively along with your hans device. For additional safety, at Motordrive we offer advice on seat selection and the option of a fitting service whereby we select the model of bucket seat that works best for your size, custom pad the racing seat to you, adjust the leg and lumbar support to match your requirements and position you correctly to ensure that your harnesses will better protect you in the event of an accident. A final piece of advice on seat safety is to ensure that you are mounting your seat securely in the car. It is important that your subframe/base plate is fixed to the car securely and where appropriate complies with Motorsport UK regulations. In addition your seat mounting rails should be of sufficient strength to cope with the forces that your seat is designed to take and so we recommend a minimum construction of 6mm Aluminium or 4mm steel and we supply the motordrive aluminium mounting rails to accompany the FIA8855-1999 seat range. For further advice on seat safety or selecting a seat that is right for you please get in touch with our friendly team of seat experts.
Which size of motordrive FIA bucket seat is right for me?
We are all different in size and shape and therefore one model and size of motorsport seat is not going to be suitable for all competitors. As an FIA approved competition racing seat is a piece of safety equipment it is important that it holds the competitor’s torso securely, protects their head, aligns their shoulders with the harness and sits them in a position that supports their spine. At motordrive we issue size guides with each of our classic models available to buy on line however we also offer individual advice to customers who complete our measurement form and provide a full in-person custom fit service for those who want to benefit from enhanced safety and comfort.
Which is the best racing seat for women?
We are all different shapes and sizes and as motorsport seats are a critical piece of safety equipment it is vital that you choose a model to fit your body. All of the motordrive seat range is designed for both men and women with shells offered in different sizes. Uniquely however at Motordrive we offer a custom fit service which allows us to pad the racing seat to a lady’s figure. Particular fitting challenges faced by women include seats being too big, harness holes being too high or hips being too tight in the seat. Comfort and safety do not need to be compromised and so we encourage everyone to consider our custom seat fitting service.
Which FIA motorsport seat will fit in my car?
Competition cars have different internal set-ups due to factors such as the position of the roll cage and gear box tunnels so one rule does not fit all. Rally cars can be especially tight as the car needs to accommodate two seats. Motorsport seat sizes differ in width at the head, shoulder and base and have varying heights which need to be accounted for. Road and track cars are equally unique and it is your responsibility to check, ahead of purchase, that your chosen seats will fit in your car. We are happy to share experience and provide you with seat measurements or send you out a trial shell to fit in the car. Please contact us to request this information.
I need an FIA racing seat for a small car?
For a small car with limited space we recommend the Motordrive FIA Pro bucket seat model which is available in different sizes and with the option of a bolt on head restraint for side head protection. Shell sizes or trial shells are available on request by contacting us.
Which FIA motorsport racing seat is best for a small person or teenager?
Motordrive FIA motorsport race and rally seats are available in different sizes and come with the option of a custom fitting service which is recommended for a small or young person person who needs to ensure that they are held in the seat correctly and that the motorsport harnesses are positioned to work effectively along with the hans device. See our FAQ on our fitting service to better understand what you can expect from a custom motorsport racing seat and get in touch for help from our expert team
Which FIA motorsport racing seat is best for a big person?
Motordrive FIA motorsport race and rally seats are available in different sizes and come with the option of a custom fitting service which is recommended for a big person who needs to ensure that they are both safe and comfortable in their large racing seat. It is important that you are able to fit into your seat (rather than on it), that your harness holes are aligned with your shoulders and that you are supported throughout your body. The Motordrive Pro XL bucket seat is often the best racing seat for large competitors and is available with the option of a bolt on head restraint for side head protection. At Motordrive we specialise in fitting large competitors to motorsport seats so download a seat measurement form for further advice or get in touch to arrange an in person custom seat fitting. See our FAQ on our fitting service to better understand what you can expect from a custom motorsport racing seat.
Which FIA motorsport racing seat is best for a tall person?
Motordrive FIA motorsport race and rally seats are available in different height sizes and come with the option of a custom fitting service which is recommended for a tall person who needs to ensure that they are both safe and comfortable in their tall racing seat. It is particularly important that your head in fully protected that your harness holes are aligned with your shoulders and that you are supported throughout your body. At Motordrive we specialise in fitting tall people to motorsport seats. You can download a seat measurement form for further advice or get in touch to arrange an in person custom seat fitting. See our FAQ on our fitting service to better understand what you can expect from a custom motorsport racing seat.
What FIA race and rally seats are available from Motordrive?
For race, rally, track and most other motorsport seats you can choose from our Pro, Race or Endurance range. These seats are approved to the FIA8855-1999 safety standard which is the original FIA seat safety standard and the most popular in the UK. Our Race and Endurance seats have built-in side head protection, and our Pro bucket seat series can be fitted with a bolt-on head restraint, so the choice is largely down to your personal preference and what will work best in your car. If you use your vehicle on the road as well as a track car we suggest that you avoid seats with integral head protection and so look at our Pro Seat range . For top tier FIA international events or ultimate safety in high performance cars then you should look at our advanced FIA8862-2009 Series which is available in 4 point or 6 point mounting or the new FIA8855-2021 MD30. Please note that it is your responsibility to check that your preferred seat will fit in your car. We can offer advice by providing our seat shell size measurements or alternatively we can provide you with a test shell to trial fit. If this is something you are interested in, please contact us or to see our full seat range click through to motordrive seats homepage.
What is the difference between fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon racing seats?
Fibreglass, also referred to as GRP, is the most popular and cheapest product used for manufacturing FIA8855-1999 racing seats and is able to deliver seats that meet the FIA safety standard. Strength and weight are key considerations in motorsport safety equipment and so kevlar and carbon are also used as an alternative to fibreglass for bucket seats to create lighter, stiffer shells. Kevlar has a yellow-black weave which is particularly popular in period cars, whilst carbon has the impressive black weave and the strongest properties to deliver the lightest seats. The increased stiffness of seats manufactured in Kevlar or carbon can provide a performance advantage as the driver is able to better feel the feedback from the car. Motordrive offer fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon FIA8855-1999 seats and full carbon advanced racing seats in their FIA8855-2021 and FIA8862-2009 motorsport seat range.
Which is the best lightweight FIA racing seat?
In motorsport weight advantage is often a key factor. Motordrive’s carbon motorsport seats offer a lightweight solution for competitors looking to reduce weight and better feel how the car is performing. All models of the FIA8855-1999 custom seat range are offered in carbon and Motordrive’s advanced racing seats are manufactured in carbon as standard. Motordrive has been recognised with industry awards for its innovation in advanced racing seat carbon manufacturing and is proud of its achievements in designing seats which are lightweight yet strong to meet the demanding FIA advanced racing seat safety standards.
I need a Kevlar bucket seat for my period historic car?
At motordrive we offer Kevlar race and rally seats in each of our FIA8855-1999 bucket seat models. The Kevlar shell is iconic with the yellow and black weave and benefits from being lightweight compared to the equivalent fibreglass seat. An additional benefit of a Kevlar seat is that it is stiffer than fibreglass therefore providing the driver with more feedback from the performance of the car. Kevlar shells are popular with our customers owning historic period cars and at motordrive we offer a full custom service including custom fitted seats along with personalised covers which can include retro fabric covers that match the original designs used in period cars. Get in touch with your special project.
Which SIM racing seat is best for me?
Motordrive offer high quality Pro bucket SIM seats and also winged Race SIM seats. Our sim seats are fixed back bucket seats with adjustable lumbar cushions and quality foam padding for enhanced comfort. You can buy our classic sim seats from our webshop in different sizes up to XL and we recommend reviewing the sizing charts before buying. Our classic sim seats are covered in serviceable brushed black nylon fabric which is easy to clean and hardwearing. For those who have motion sims, want the full immersive experience or are using their rigs for professional driver training, we recommend our custom fitted sim seats which offer improved support and adjustability. A motordrive custom fit sim seat can be designed to better replicate your in-car set-up, we manufacture in GRP, Kevlar and carbon and we also offer customisation of your seat with personalised embroidery. To ensure compatibility with your sim rig we supply seat dimensions and are happy to discuss any of your sim seat needs so please get in touch.
I want a custom fit personalised SIM racing seat?
All of the motordrive seat range are available as SIM seats. We understand that you will want to replicate that true driving experience and may be sat in your seat for a long time and so need comfort. As we are all different shapes and sizes, finding an off the shelf perfect sim racing seat can be difficult. At Motordrive we offer a fitting service whereby we select the model of sim seat that works best with your size, custom pad the racing seat to you and adjust the leg and lumbar support to match your requirements. In addition to the fitting options we offer customisation of your sim seat cover with personalised embroidery on request. Custom fitting is available across all of the motordrive sim seat range including for XL sim seats.
A sim seat fitting can be arranged by contacting us.
Which is the most comfortable SIM racing bucket seat?
As we are all different shapes and sizes, finding an off the shelf perfect sim seat can be difficult. Comfort can also be a challenge for sim racers who are sat in the same motorsport seat for hours at a time. At Motordrive we offer a sim seat fitting service whereby we select the model of sim seat that works best with your size, custom pad the sim racing seat to you, adjust the leg and lumbar support to match your requirements and position you so that you are fully supported. Our sim racing seats receive the same care and attention as our FIA racing seats and are produced using high quality materials to maintain their comfort and appearance. Custom fitting is available across all of the motordrive sim seat range and we are here to listen to your needs so please get in touch for a conversation with one of our friendly sim seat experts.
Where are Motordrive seats manufactured?
Motordrive seats are designed and manufactured in the UK so that we can manage the quality and safety assurance of our seats. In addition to this we source as many raw materials as possible from the UK and are proud to have our HQ in Leyland, Lancashire. Buy British, and sit in the winning seat.
What date will I get on my FIA 8855-1999 seat?
All FIA 8855-1999 seats are now marked with an FIA ‘not valid after’ date which is the year 5 years on from the end of the year of manufacture. The seat will be FIA valid until the 31st December of the ‘not valid after’ year. So if your seat is manufactured any time in 2024 it will be FIA valid until the end of 2029. Motordrive are the only manufacturer to offer an FIA 2 year re-certification service. Please note however that different ASNs (e.g. Motorsport UK) and different classes of motorsport operate under their own regulations nationally and this can affect the validity of your seats for any particular event.
Why can Motordrive offer up to 8 year’s FIA seat life?
All FIA 8855-1999 seats are now given a ‘not valid after’ date which is 5 years from the end of the year of manufacture (all new seats are now FIA valid until the end of a calendar year). So as standard an FIA 8855-1999 competition seat will have between 5 and 6 years of FIA life when it is manufactured. Motordrive are the only manufacturer to offer an extension of up to 2 years. This extension is subject to seat inspection and a fee. If you buy a seat in January, you’ll get an initial FIA 6 year’s life then, if you choose to use the re-certification service, you’ll get an extra 2 years of FIA life, taking you to 8 year’s seat life – only at Motordrive!
How do I get the life extended on my FIA seat?
Motordrive offers a re-certification service where you can have the life of your FIA8855-1999 seat extended for up to a maximum of two years. This service is provided whilst FIA regulations allow, is subject to the seats being returned to Motordrive for a thorough inspection and can only be completed once the original life of the seat has expired. This service is chargeable and Motordrive are the only manufacturer to offer this extension. If you wish to consider this option or have any questions please have your seat serial numbers to hand (off the label on the seat) and give us a call or send an e-mail to: info@motordrive.com. Please note that the Motorsport UK 2 year extension in rally does not require seats to be returned to the manufacturer.
What are the FIA dating rules for FIA8855-1999 motorsport seats?
FIA motorsport seats manufactured from 2014 onward have a ‘not valid after’ date printed on the white seat label on the side of the shell and the seat is valid in the eyes of the FIA until the 31st December of that year. If you are uncertain and would like clarification, give us a call with your seat serial number so we can confirm the FIA expiry date for you. Motorsport events not governed directly by the FIA may allow different seat life regulations and therefore we recommend checking with the appropriate motorsport governing body.
What are the dating rules for FIA seats in Motorsport UK rally?
Motorsport UK allow a 2 year extension to the life of FIA8855-1999 seats. This extension is automatic and seats do not have to be returned to the manufacturer for re-certification. So for example if your FIA seat label indicates ‘not valid after 2024’ the seat can be used in Motorsport UK rally events until the end of 2026.
What’s the difference between a FIA 8855-1999 seat and a FIA 8862-2009 seat?
FIA8855-1999 racing seats are the standard of seat most commonly required for regulated motorsport. The FIA 8855-1999 standard requires seats to pass a dynamic set of tests up to 20G force simulating a front, side and rear consecutive impact with an 85kg dummy sitting in the seat. The FIA 8862-2009 standard is for advanced racing seats and requires a series of quasi-static tests which simultaneously apply a combined force of 35kN on the head, shoulder and pelvis areas of the seat forwards and laterally with a final crush test of a combined 30kN. This test is designed to ensure the seat can withstand the most severe of accidents in which a competitor can be expected to survive. FIA 8855-1999 seats are required for any national competition governed by Motorsport UK whereas FIA 8862-2009 seats are required for any FIA championship (e.g. WRC, GT) or any championship in which the regulations specify advanced seats for reasons of safety (e.g. BTCC). FIA 8855-1999 seats are given a ‘not valid after’ date that is 5 years from the end of the year of manufacture, whereas an FIA 8862-2009 seat has a 10 year life. Please note that a new FIA seat safety standard, FIA8855-2021, has also been introduced. Outside of the UK, ASNs are progressing with the mandating of this new standard which will, in these countries, supersede FIA8855-1999 regulations.
What is the FIA 8855-2021 standard?
Issued in December 2020 the FIA 8855-2021 standard states ‘its aim is to provide objective performance requirements for a new generation of competition seats, which are considerably in excess of those of FIA standard 8855-1999. The standard will ensure improved strength and support during rear impacts together with more extensive support to the pelvis, shoulder and head during side impacts. The seat brackets shall be approved as part of the seat system‘. The FIA are working through a roadmap for the introduction of the new 8855-2021 standard and ASNs e.g. Motorsport UK will be responsible for the roll-out of the new standard in their own territory. At the time of writing (2024) Motorsport UK do not intend to mandate the FIA8855-2021 standard and are continuing to follow the original FIA8855-1999 regulations. ASNs in other countries are however progressing with the transition to the updated standard. Motordrive are pleased to be developing the MD30 FIA8855-2021 seat range.
Can I buy Motordrive seats online?
Classic motordrive seats are available for online purchase. Before you buy, please consider our advice on choosing a motorsport seat that is right for you and be sure to check the size of the seat before purchase. If you would prefer to discuss your requirements with our expert team please get in touch for advice, to arrange a seat fitting or to discuss a custom motorsport seat made bespoke for you. It pays to check sizing before you buy to make sure you’ll be safe and comfortable and that your seat will fit in your car. Please note that we do not accept returns other than for reasons of statutory rights. Your safety is our priority so please don’t compromise; for more details call or e-mail us and we’ll help you select from the motordrive FIA racing seat range. SERVICE|SAFETY|STYLE
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, all Motordrive products can be sold internationally, however we invoice in Sterling only with carriage charges available upon request. Please feel free to Contact Us for a shipping quote.
Do you have dealers?
We have a select number of dealers who hold our show seats in specific locations in the UK and overseas as we appreciate that you may not live close to our base in the North West of England and you may want to sit in our seats first.
Click to view our full list of dealers and their contact details.
Why choose Motordrive?
Expertise – The team at motordrive are motorsport seat experts offering an award winning, world-class range of FIA 8855-1999, FIA8855-2021 and FIA 8862-2009 seats. The team are themselves competitors and work with high profile teams such as Power Maxed Racing in the BTCC and so can offer knowledge from experience.
Service – Whether you are a competitor, team or manufacturer and whether you are from the UK or are international, the team are on hand to understand your seat requirements and to offer support before and after the manufacture of your seat. We are a private family-owned business that cares for its customers.
Safety and Performance – Motordrive offer a fitting service to allow you to have the seat fitted to you. In this way you will be held more safely in your seat and will feel at one with the car. Motordrive seats are designed and manufactured in the UK to strict quality standards. Motordrive are members of FIA and Motorsport UK Industry Working Groups to develop seat safety.
Design – Our seats are manufactured in GRP, Kevlar or Carbon. Motordrive offer a full seat and bracket design and homologation service for customers who have projects requiring bespoke solutions
Embroidery – If you choose from our custom seat range your seat can have any colour of embroidery to match your car, sponsor’s logo, manufacturer’s logo or your name, remember this is your seat built for YOU. Have a look at our Customer Gallery for seat ideas.
Motorsport Accessories – Motordrive offer accessories alongside their motorsport seat range, including all mounting frames, extinguishers, Stilo helmets and electronics and more. Accessories are discounted for seat customers.
Up to 8 years of FIA life – FIA regulations allow an FIA8855-1999 seat life to be extended up to a maximum of 2 years from the original seat expiry date. A seat is originally FIA valid for 5 years from the end of the year of manufacture (so will have between a minimum of 5 years of FIA life and a maximum of 6 years of FIA life). On expiry, bring your seat(s) back to Motordrive for an inspection and if we are satisfied the seat has not been damaged or modified in any way, we will extend the seat for up to a further 2 years additional FIA life (please note charges apply). This way you can enjoy up to 8 years of FIA life on a Motordrive seat.
