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Each suit contain 6 protective pieces that slip into inner pockets
They are made by hand
The race suits are made by hand using each rider’s precise measurements. The protectors and the fabric must fit to perfection so they can do their job. Not only must they give the rider maximum comfort but maximum protection too.
They are made of 13 pieces
The suits worn by Marc, like all the race suits designed by Alpinestars, are made from 13 pieces of leather. The pieces are cut out and sewn together by hand in a process that takes over seven and a half hours for each suit.
The airbag is a key feature
All the suits are equipped with an advanced, full-body airbag. The airbag has two charges and remains inflated for five seconds after a fall. The suit has very advanced sensors that can detect whether the rider is on the track or not and the difference between a fall and a near miss. It is activated almost instantaneously, even before the rider hits the asphalt.
“Bombproof” armour
The armour in the suit is tested to ensure that it can support the force of the impact when a rider falls off. The leather is also tested to determine its toughness and resistance to abrasion, as well as the quality of the seams. The suits have six protective pieces that slip into inner pockets: two for the arms, two for the legs, one for the chest and one for the back.
The material is important too
The suits are made of kangaroo skin, a material that is highly resistant to abrasion, although Alpinestars also manufactures race suits out of cowskin. Kangaroo skin suits are more common, though.
Four suits for each GP and the possibility of getting them mended
Alpinestars normally supplies four race suits per GP, and these can have different specifications depending on the rider’s needs. If there is a particularly unlucky weekend with a lot of falls and torn suits, the riders also have a workshop where the suits can be mended right there in the paddock.
Race suits are an important part of a rider’s equipment. You must have learned something here that you didn’t know. If you would like to know more details and interesting facts about Repsol Honda riders, don’t miss our content on boxrepsol.com and our social networks.