Michael Schumacher making motorcycle helmets now
Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Schuberth Race helmet
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher doesn't seem to have any desire to take it easy after retiring from the pinnacle of motorsports. It turns out that his four-wheeled racing excellence has translated rather nicely to two, and it sounds as if the ex-champ's perfectionist attitude continues on unabated as he now begins designing helmets for Schuberth. The German producer of brain buckets had previously supplied the headgear for Schumacher as he raced in F1 and currently provides the units for Ralf Schumacher, Nick Heidfeld, Felipe Massa, Kimi Räikkönen and Mark Webber. Though no details regarding pricing or availability have been released as of yet, Schuberth assures that its new 'Schuberth Race' helmet is "an extremely lightweight and aerodynamic helmet, filled with numerous technical and safety innovations." From the looks of things, the helmet, with its orange and grey highlights, would be perfect mounted atop a KTM rider's head.
Gallery: Schumacher Schuberth Helmet
[Source: Schuberth]
Schumacher Develops New Schuberth Motorcycle Helmet
Schuberth GmbH is immensely pleased to announce that multiple Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will be spearheading the firm's development of sports motorcycle helmets.
Starting with the 'Schuberth Race' helmet, Michael will continue to bring his wealth of experience to the German firm's R&D department in order to develop new models. This arrangement continues a unique and extensive partnership between the German brand and the seven-time F1 champion who developed and used Schuberth helmets until he retired from the sport.
Schuberth's engineers have developed this new crash helmet in close collaboration with Michael himself. In true Schuberth style, the result is an extremely lightweight and aerodynamic helmet, filled with numerous technical and safety innovations.
Since leaving four-wheel competition, Schumacher has failed to resist his passion for all things fast and loud. The German's longstanding love for motorcycles has seen him enter pro-amateur races in Europe, picking up a debut win in just his second event.
Schumacher explains the continued relationship: 'Throughout my time in Formula 1 I really appreciated just how fast and accurately the people at Schuberth were able to work. Attention to detail has always been particularly important to me, and I don't intend to leave anything to chance in the future either.'
Henry Rivers Fletcher of Oxford Products (UK importers for Schuberth), commented: 'Michael is a great ambassador for Schuberth. We expect some great results from this relationship as the former champ channels some of his renowned perfectionism into the evolution of Schuberth products. Formula 1 and motorcycling technology have much in common – there is no margin for error in either'.
No further information on the price or availability of the 'Schuberth Race' helmet is available at this time.
For further information on the current Schuberth motorcycle helmet range, or to find your nearest stockist, contact Oxford on 01993 862300 or visit www.oxprod.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4agze 3:41PM (5/12/2008)
shumi will be like M.Jordan soon, whats next a schumacher cologne
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Josiah 3:53PM (5/12/2008)
you beat me! I was going to lead with "Schumacher's helmet is like Jordan's sneakers .. what next, is Schu going to play baseball?"
Yours was funnier.
Richard 5:57PM (5/12/2008)
There probably already is a "smell like Schu." Just not in America.
gkoenig 6:05PM (5/12/2008)
The difference between MJ branded merchandise and Schumacher's helping develop a race helmet is context.
If we were to measure the time a person has spent with a plastic hat on his head protecting his skull, Schumacher would probably be in the top 10. Helmets have also saved his bacon through numerous accidents. So he has relevant experience.
Schui was also renowned for learning enough about engineering and technical language to have very productive relationships with engineers. He delves into the details and understands how stuff works enough that he can give tremendous, accurate feedback to engineers and designers. Part of why he is such an excellent driver was derived from his ability to communicate so effectively with his crew/engineers.
It isn't like Schumi is slapping the "Schumacher Brand" on whatever schlock comes along and waiting by the mailbox for his royalty check.
Mazdamia 2:20PM (5/15/2008)
Schumi Cologne:
http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/10742635/Original_Perfumes_Schumacher_Brand/showimg.html
Alan44 4:11PM (5/12/2008)
I have been wearing a Schuberth motorcycle helmet for the last five years and I am very happy with it. It is very comfortable, I have 66,000 miles wearing it. But they have stopped distributing them last year in the U.S.
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Razor 4:33PM (5/12/2008)
They became ridiculously over-priced and the dealer's margins disappeared eventually no one wanted to buy them and no one wanted to sell them. FYI, my current Nolan is holding up way better than my Schuberth did at this point in its life.
John Johnson 4:12PM (5/12/2008)
I'd love to have a helmet that's considered acceptable for use in F1, frankly. Whatever's protecting their noggins is fine with me.
Next out is the Alonso Buttplug. I heard it's shaped just like an ego!
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DCragtop 8:16AM (5/13/2008)
I, Sir, LMAO in your general direction.
Greg 5:02PM (5/12/2008)
I have to wonder about the choice to bring this to market. It takes some time to refine a helmet to the levels people will expect of a Schumacher-branded design and the market is already fairly full.
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El-sinore 9:16PM (5/12/2008)
Bravo gkoenig.
The great ones have always been mechanics and friends of the engineers and mechanics. Fangio, Hill and Donohue come to mind.
MS is genuine. Check the 360 CS stripes on his leathers.
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fizzandpop 11:41PM (5/12/2008)
The lawyers who cover his liability must love this idea. Some dumfkopf will get in an accident and sue.
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Mrs Gail j GrAY 7:25PM (5/13/2008)
Thats nice to know Michael Schumacher is a ambassador for schuberth helmets, i am proud of this chap, he has given me great pleasure when he was in formula 1, i am poud to be a supporter and follower of him since 1991 and i am still supporting and following him, he says you never should give up, well i feel that way with him, i saw never give him up and support another driver.
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