ATL Fuel Cells

How long does the FIA homologation of an ATL fuel cell last?

FIA-homologated ATL fuel cells have a service life of 5 years from the manufacturing date shown on the cell's FIA hologram — not from the purchase date. After 5 years, validity can be extended through factory recertification, which grants 2 additional years (once only). The extension applies to the original expiry date, not the shipping date, so it is best to arrange it before it expires.

Is it worth recertifying an ATL fuel cell or is it better to buy a new one?

For most standard fuel cells (Saver Cell, Racell, D Cell) the answer is no. The recertification process involves sending the cell to the ATL factory in the United Kingdom, with post-Brexit shipping costs and the risk that the cell will not pass the tests. The estimated total cost ranges between €800 and €900 — and if the cell fails the pressure test, all that money is lost.

Recertification only makes economic sense for high-value fuel cells (custom WRC, GT3, specific flat-bottom) whose new price exceeds €1,500-2,000. For any standard fuel cell, the best option is to buy a new one.

What is the difference between FIA FT3, FT3.5 and FT5 standards?

The three standards set different levels of resistance to puncture, tearing and tensile stress for the cell material. The FT3-1999 is the entry-level standard, valid for regional rally, track, hill climb and autocross — the most common in clubman competition. The FT3.5-1999 adds greater resistance and is used in national rally and GT. The FT5-1999 is the most demanding standard, mandatory in F1, top-level WRC, Le Mans and high-performance prototypes. Check your category's technical regulations to find out which standard is required.

What fuel cell capacity do I need for rally?

It depends on the category and type of event. For regional rally with short stages and frequent service areas, 40 to 60 liters is usually enough. For longer rally events or those with service restrictions, 70 to 90 liters. Raid categories and long-distance events may require 200 to 400 liters. Each championship's technical regulations specify the maximum capacities allowed by vehicle category.

Do ATL fuel cells include the internal foam?

Yes. All FIA-homologated ATL fuel cells include the internal safety foam, which plays a critical role: in an impact, the foam prevents fuel slosh and reduces the risk of explosion by limiting the free space inside. The foam is a consumable that degrades over time and with contact with hydrocarbons — it must be replaced along with recertification and, in any case, cannot be reused after 5 years.

Is an ATL fuel cell mandatory for rallying in Spain?

In virtually all rally competitions under an RFEDA license, yes. FIA technical regulations require an FIA-homologated safety fuel cell for competition vehicles. The lowest categories and some regularity events may have exceptions, but in any timed rally under RFEDA regulations a homologated ATL fuel cell is mandatory. Check your category's technical article to confirm the exact FT standard required.