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without compromising the rider's Power achieved this through to withstand various weather
protection. Leather has long been the a multi-layer construction conditions. Virus Power
material of choice for such high-end that combines a durable incorporated waterproof
racing gear due to its natural ability outer layer with a flexible coatings into the design,
to offer superior abrasion resistance inner layer. The outer layer ensuring that the suit could
and impact protection. features a tough PU coating protect riders even in wet
that resists wear and tear, conditions. This feature is
For Virus Power, this challenge
involved not only finding a suitable while the inner layer is especially important for
synthetic material but also d e s i g n e d t o p r o v i d e riders who race in variable
developing a design and technology flexibility and comfort. weather conditions, where
that could outperform traditional Together, these layers offer a leather suits can become
leather in certain aspects. The result level of protection that rivals heavy and uncomfortable
was a revolutionary suit that not only leather while maintaining when exposed to rain.
meets the AAA safety standard but comfort and mobility. The Environmental and
does so without relying on animal 3. Impact Protection: The Ethical Benefits
products. racing suit's ability to absorb
and distribute impact forces The environmental and ethical
The Technology Behind Virus implications of Virus Power's
was another critical factor in
Power's Synthetic Racing Suit synthetic racing suit are significant.
its development. Virus
The development of a synthetic Power incorporated CE- As the world grapples with the
racing suit capable of meeting AAA a p p r o v e d i m p a c t challenges of climate change and
s t a n d a r d s r e q u i r e d a d e e p protectors into key areas of environmental degradation, the
understanding of materials science t h e s u i t , s u c h a s t h e motorsport industry has come under
and a willingness to experiment with shoulders, elbows, and increasing scrutiny for its reliance
cutting-edge technologies. Virus knees. These protectors are on animal-based products and
Power worked closely with m a d e f r o m h i g h - unsustainable manufacturing
engineers and scientists to develop a performance materials like processes.
composite material that could Viscoelastic foams, which 1. Reduction in Animal
replicate the best properties of have the ability to absorb Suffering: By creating a
leather while offering greater high-impact energy. The synthetic racing suit that
environmental sustainability. d e s i g n a l s o i n c l u d e s eliminates the need for
s t r a t e g i c a l l y p l a c e d animal-based leather, Virus
1. A d v a n c e d S y n t h e t i c
Fabrics: At the heart of the reinforcement patches in Power is taking a significant
suit is an advanced synthetic areas prone to wear and tear. step toward reducing animal
fabric designed to mimic the 4. B r e a t h a b i l i t y a n d suffering in the motorsport
abrasion resistance and Comfort: While safety was industry. Leather production
durability of leather. This the primary focus, Virus is closely tied to the cattle
fabric is engineered using a Power also prioritized rider industry, which has long
b l e n d o f p o l y e s t e r , comfort. The synthetic been criticized for its
polyurethane (PU), and fabric used in the suit is negative impact on animal
other advanced synthetic lightweight and breathable, welfare. By using entirely
polymers. These materials helping to regulate body synthetic materials, Virus
are known for their high temperature and prevent Power aligns with the
strength-to-weight ratio, overheating during long, growing movement to
allowing them to provide the intense races. The suit is protect animals and avoid
s a m e p r o t e c t i o n a s designed with advanced their exploitation for fashion
traditional leather but with mesh panels that promote and sports gear.
the added benefit of being airflow, keeping the rider 2. Lower Carbon Footprint:
lighter and more flexible. cool and comfortable The environmental impact
w i t h o u t s a c r i fi c i n g of leather production is
2. Abrasion Resistance and
Durability: One of the protection. considerable, particularly in
biggest challenges was 5. W a t e r p r o o fi n g a n d terms of carbon emissions.
ensuring that the synthetic Weather Resistance: L e a t h e r t a n n i n g a n d
material would provide the A n o t h e r i m p o r t a n t p r o c e s s i n g r e q u i r e
same level of abrasion consideration for the significant amounts of
resistance as leather. Virus synthetic suit was its ability energy and chemicals, many
of which are harmful to the
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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 13 May 2025
