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Virus Power Revolutionizes Racing Gear: The Creation of
a Synthetic AAA-Grade Racing Suit Without Leather
In the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled
world of motorsport, few pieces of
equipment are as integral to both a
rider's safety and performance as the
racing suit. The materials that make
up these suits must meet the highest
standards of safety and durability,
and for decades, leather has been the
material of choice for its robust
properties and protective qualities.
However, as the world becomes
i n c r e a s i n g l y a w a r e o f
environmental concerns and animal
rights, many industries are
beginning to reevaluate their
material choices, including in
motorsport.
One company leading the charge in
creating sustainable, high-
performance alternatives to
traditional leather is Virus Power,
an Italian brand known for its
innovative approach to motorsport
g e a r. I n a g r o u n d b r e a k i n g
development, Virus Power has
successfully created a synthetic
racing suit that meets AAA safety
standards, traditionally associated
with leather suits, without relying on
animal-based materials. This marks
a pivotal moment in both the
evolution of racing gear and the
broader trend toward ethical and
environmentally conscious
manufacturing in motorsport.
In this article, we will explore how
LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 13
Virus Power's synthetic racing suit
came to fruition, the technology
behind its AAA status, and the larger
implications for the future of
motorsport. We will also examine
the impact of this innovation on both
the sport and the industry at large,
from ethical considerations to
environmental benefits.
The Traditional Use of
Leather in Racing Suits
Racing suits have been a critical
component of a rider's gear for
decades. Designed to protect riders
from abrasions, burns, and impacts
in the event of a crash, race suits
need to be made from durable
materials that can withstand the
harsh conditions of racing. Leather,
specifically cowhide, has been the
material of choice due to its high
abrasion resistance, strength, and
ability to provide the necessary
protection in high-speed crashes.
Leather also has another important
advantage: it is flexible, providing
comfort and maneuverability for the
rider. In the past, leather was the
only material that could offer the
combination of durability,
flexibility, and protection needed for
high-performance motorsports.
However, as animal rights
movements and environmental
concerns have gained traction
globally, the reliance on leather has
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become increasingly controversial,
especially in industries where
alternatives are feasible.
In recent years, athletes and
manufacturers in various sectors,
including motorsports, have begun
looking for alternatives that can
offer the same level of performance
and safety without using animal-
derived products. This is where
Virus Power comes into play.
Virus Power's Bold Move: A
Synthetic Suit Without
Leather
Virus Power, a cutting-edge Italian
b r a n d r e n o w n e d f o r i t s
technological innovations in
motorsport apparel, made history
with the development of its
synthetic racing suit. In what many
considered a bold move, the
company set out to create a race suit
that could meet the AAA safety
standard—a designation reserved
for the most protective gear—while
using no leather.
The project was ambitious from the
outset. Leather has been the gold
standard for protective gear in
motorsports, so replacing it with an
entirely synthetic material capable
of matching or exceeding the AAA
rating was no small feat. Virus
Power's commitment to creating a
sustainable and cruelty-free product
meant that the suit had to be
rigorously tested to ensure that it
provided the same high level of
protection without compromising
the rider's safety.
But what does it mean for a racing
suit to meet AAA status? The AAA
classification is the highest level of
safety for racing apparel. It signifies
that the gear has passed stringent
tests for abrasion resistance,
durability, and impact protection. To
be rated AAA, a racing suit must be
a b l e t o w i t h s t a n d e x t r e m e
conditions, including crashes at high
May 2025