Mips has announced a partnership with Kabuto that will see the latter’s MotoGP race helmets fitted with the latest brain protection solutions.
Mips will make its MotoGP entry together with Kabuto in 2023, with its new F17 Racing Mips helmet, which will feature the Integra TX low-friction padding.
The Integra TX padding is designed to move as the helmet rotates in order to protect the wearer’s brain. This helps to reduce rotational movement of the head, and the Integra TX “will replace conventional comfort layers, making it totally invisible,” Mips says.
It will allow for 10-15mm of movement in all directions, and Mips also says that its thin profile will mean that helmet sizes will not be affected.
In addition to the Integra TX layer, the F17 Racing Mips will also feature an aerodynamic profile intended to reduce the load on the wearer’s head and increase stability.
Max Strandwitz, CEO of Mips, said: “The Mips Integra TX solution is yet another important development moving Mips into the future of helmet-based safety. Safety will always come first for us, but improving Mips integration with helmets is another important goal.
“Having the first helmet with the Mips safety system in MotoGP aligns perfectly with our long-term goals and our mission of leading the world to safer helmets.”
Kabuto had a presence on the MotoGP grid for 2022, with Remy Gardner wearing the brand’s helmets, while Kaito Toba also wore Kabuto this season in Moto3.
Gardner’s 2022 teammate at Tech 3 KTM, Raul Fernandez, was one rider who was at the centre of two head safety controversies in the past season. On two occasions Fernandez was permitted to ride after hitting his head, including in one of his first MotoGP outings at the preseason test in Indonesia, and on both occasions he reported feeling unwell while riding after the head impact.
Incidents such as those involving Fernandez have been a part of the cause for criticism of MotoGP’s concussion protocols.
A Kabuto helmet equipped with Mips protective solutions is not going to solve concussions in MotoGP alone, but the inclusion of Mips can be considered overall a step forward in safety, at least for those contracted to Kabuto.
Mips is also used by Kabuto in its Geosys Adventure helmet, a dual-purpose adventure-touring helmet.
