24h Le Mans
Racing drivers' gloves combine comfort, safety and performance as a true extension of the hand, a crucial component to feeling every vibration of the steering wheel as well as maintaining precise control. Jacopo Rubino, OMP representative, reveals their technological excellence.
During endurance races, with drivers behind the wheel for long stretches of time, tactile feedback is essential. Jacopo Rubino, OMP representative: Gloves play a very important role in a driver's performance, even more so when put under stress in endurance racing. First and foremost, they must provide the best grip on the steering wheel and the best feel when using all the controls, to allow them to be operated as precisely as possible. Thanks to innovative materials and state-of-the-art design, gloves help drivers detect the smallest changes such as vibrations indicating tyre wear or a shift (even a subtle one) in the car's behaviour.
OMP, an Italian manufacturer of motorsport safety equipment founded in 1973 and based in the Genoa region, integrates silicone inserts in the palm to optimise grip. Ultra-light honeycomb technical fabrics also guarantee exceptional tactile feedback. These innovations offer unmatched sensitivity, essential for adjusting one's driving, even after several hours of racing.
In addition to sensitivity, gloves play a crucial role in protecting hands from the risks inherent in motorsport, namely resistance to high temperatures, protection against flames and impact reduction. However, safety must not compromise comfort, an essential element in maintaining concentration.
Rubino: The glove must fit perfectly on the hand, and be light and breathable, without generating discomfort that can create pain and loss of concentration, affecting lap time. Technologies such as pre-curved fingers and external seams, introduced in the 1990s thanks to concerns rasied by legendary driver Ayrton Senna, remain benchmarks in comfort today.
Racing gloves have evolved considerably over the years. Advances in materials have made them lighter, more breathable and still able to meet the FIA’s strict safety standards. Innovations such as angled cuts and elasticated cuffs ensure a perfect fit, reducing interference with driving.
Input from both amateur and professional drivers plays a central role in this evolution. At OMP, endurance races serve as a test bed to perfect the gloves, as evidenced by the models worn by teams like Lamborghini Iron Lynx in the Hypercar category, and Team WRT, Iron Lynx, Iron Dames and Akkodis ASP Team in LMGT3.
Drivers’ gloves aren’t just about protection: they’re an interface between man and machine. Through hours of development and innovation, companies like OMP strive to push the boundaries, allowing drivers to stay connected to their cars in the most demanding conditions. At Le Mans, where the slightest mistake can be detrimental, the balance between protection and feeling is crucial to translating performance into victory.
