Creating a Breakthrough in
Racing Suit Performance

Safety First

Teijin Aramid partner with Formula E team Envision Virgin Racing. As OMP Racing have also agreed a long-term supply partnership with Envision Virgin Racing, the strict safety requirements of the sport’s regulatory body must be met. Otto Pomiano (Research & Development Consultant, OMP Racing) understands in his development work that safety is absolutely non-negotiable and he needs to be sure of his material solutions.

Otto Pomiano:
“First of all, once we have identified materials, several tests are carried out. Flame resistance, abrasion resistance and resistance to heat transmission. It is obvious that heat transmission depends on the lining of the inner layer we use.”

Marginal Gains

In racing, extra grams can be the difference between second and first place. Electric vehicles contain heavy batteries and therefore every effort is made to make every single component on board, including the driver’s apparel, as lightweight as possible without compromising safety. There is a constant need to create suits that offer protection, reliability and safety; while also being lightweight and comfortable. In fact, Otto believes this wearability is essential for optimum driver performance during intense races. “Primarily, the suit needs to be light. And it must also be comfortable and breathable. But I also think it should always give the driver some satisfaction. So, we have high expectations to continue with the development of this fabric.” So says Otto Pomiano.

The Teijinconex® Factor

With a commitment to exceptionally high standards and optimum performance solutions, the collaboration with OMP Racing hinged on the use of one of our most high performance and versatile aramid fibers – Teijinconex®. With additional help from our partners Filtes International and Area 52, Teijinconex® is spun and woven in a particular manner; resulting in a suit which is up to 10% lighter, without any loss of heat or flame resistance. 

Maria Persson (Senior R&D, Textile Expert at Teijin Aramid):
“This is a unique process, because this removes the weak parts of the yarn, making it extremely thin but even stronger. And when you further process this yarn into woven fabric, you will see super-light fabric that is thinner and lighter than the fabric you use in a regular shirt. We know that weight is extremely important in Formula E, and this could be the difference between winning and losing the championship.”

Pushing for Performance

The OMP Racing Teijinconex® suit has been developed, tested and manufactured in time for the team’s drivers to wear at the last races of 2021’s season 7. Robin Frijns, second in the driver standings going into the final races, has recently worn the new suit in his pursuit of the title.

Robin Frijns (Envision Virgin Racing Team, Driver):
“You can tell this suit is a real improvement on the previous suit. It’s comfortable, lighter and more flexible. I feel relaxed, protected and ready to focus on my job.”