“RF 1.7″ is the helmet that saved Felipe Massa

The helmet RF 1.7 is valued for a few U$S 30.000

The accident suffered by Formula 1 pilot Felipe Massa, during the classification tests for the big award of Hungary, refloated the topic of safety and the dangers that pilots who take part of this type of events face.

The accident was caused by a piece from the rear suspension of the car led by his compatriot (Rubens Barrichello), which was loose on the track bouncing and impacted directly on Massa´s helmet.

The piece is a transverse shock absorber that has a size of approximately five centimeters and ans one kilogram of approximate weight. At the time of impact, Massa, was going along the track at a 230 Km / h speed

What is learned of this accident, which might have been fatal, is that the helmet saved the pilot, it was manufactured by the German company “Schuberth“, this company specializes in the manufacture of different types of safety helmets, including some of military use.

The helmet used by Massa,is the model RF 1.7 made with fibre of carbon and with a 1,4 kilos weight. In its construction three main components are used: carbon fibre, aramida and polyethene.

There are other elements that are part of the helmet, like insulating froth and other elements that help to absorb the force of impacts, in order to reduce injuries that could be caused by a shock of the brain against the skull, after a sudden deceleration.

So that a helmet could be used by Formula 1 pilots, it must pass a series of safety tests especially designed for this type of competition by the International Federation of Motoring. These tests were reinforced after the tragic death of Ayrton Senna.

If you are interested in buying one of these helmets you would have to pay USD$30.000 for it, but it saves lives..