Anatomy Of A World Championship Winning Rib Protector
Widely regarded as being the current benchmark in protector technology, the P1 Defender has been used to power multiple drivers to victory on the world stage, including the 2023 KZ World Champion Paolo Ippolito.
Following the same design and engineering philosophy as the hugely successful P1 protector, the P1 Defender features key updates to satisfy the latest FIA standard.
Why FIA 8870-2018?
The FIA first introduced Karting Body Protection (KPB) standards at the opening round of the European Karting Championship at the start of 2021, with the regulations becoming mandatory at the beginning of 2022.
The standard aims to prevent three forms of injury: impact with flat or curved structures; impact with the steering wheel or edge of the seat; and impact with the steering column. This dictates that the protector must withstand 60J of energy to the chest, and 100J of energy to the ribs, whilst ensuring that the maximum force transmitted to the body is no more than 1kN during an impact. A key feature of FIA 8870-2018 is the addition of dedicated chest protection.
Next-Level Protection
The P1 Defender achieves FIA 8870-2018 safety standards thanks to the addition of a central Parasternal Protection Panel, which sits on the inside of the main body of the protector. This gives 360 degrees of protection around the entire circumference of the driver’s chest.
The P1 Defender’s design philosophy takes inspiration from the principles used to create the famous ‘Chobham Armour’ developed at the British Tank Research Centre. This employs multiple layers of materials to decelerate external forces and spread the impact load point.
Advanced moulding technology and the use of highly technical materials boost protection further, whilst also allowing the Defender to maintain FIA requirements even under extreme impacts and with continual usage.
Minimum Weight & Bulk
The P1 Defender is the thinnest KBP protector in the world. This is achievable due to a unique impact foam which measures just 4mm – around half the thickness of regular foams.
This allows the chest panel to be fitted underneath the rib protector and contact against the driver’s chest, where its unique self-adapting materials can mould for a perfect fit.
Additionally, the pliable exterior shell and layered foam have been strategically crafted to extend beyond the rigid inner core, preventing any edges from causing discomfort. The shell material is also resistant to abrasion against the seat and bolts, reducing the risk of damage to expensive race suits.
The P1 Defender’s ultra-thin cross section gives the driver maximum freedom of movement and also allows for the optimum (correct) seat size to be used.
Another great benefit of the P1 Defender’s super-slim design is an incredibly low weight of 680g – 1.1kg, depending on size.
A Solid Track Record
Over the years, Tillett Rib Protectors have been chosen by numerous Formula One drivers. This elite list of drivers includes names such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Jules Bianchi, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, George Russell, Guanyu Zhou, Mick Schumacher, Lance Stroll and many more.
Read our ‘How Well Do You Know Lando Norris?’ blog by clicking here!
Comfortably Faster
A frequently underestimated aspect of achieving peak performance is comfort. In this regard, the P1 Defender has been designed to be almost imperceptible to the driver – allowing full focus on the track.
Achieving this is possible not only through the previously mentioned design and materials technologies but also because of the available size options and the adjustability of the protector’s body, chest panel, and shoulder harness straps.
The P1 Defender is available in nine standard sizes as well as two for children. Check out the sizing information below to help get dialled in for the perfect fit:
Sizing & Fitting
The P1 Defender is available for 4 height categories and up to 3 different chest circumferences. Each height window has several circumference choices, with ‘+’ indicating a Larger than average chest circumference, and ‘-’ for narrower chests.
To wear it as intended by the FIA regulation, your height must fit in the correct “Driver height” window, or one height category shorter. To find your correct chest circumference use a measuring tape pulled tight around the chest. The measurement position shown on the diagram as a red line is around nipple height for men and young children. The driver should breathe in and out, taking note of the average circumference. It is strongly advised to choose a Rib Protector that is not too large. When sizing a Rib Protector, the fit should be viewed exactly as you would fit a crash helmet, with no gaps and definitely not loose. If the driver is between sizes choose the smaller size and always use the additional 30mm adjustment at the rear before choosing the next size up.
The P1 Defender must be set up correctly to match the driver’s chest profile. There are many adjustments, not only at the front and rear for circumference but also to adapt to varying chest angles. The rear adjustment is set from the beginning and rarely changed thereafter. The driver should hold the two halves of the protector on the ribs and allow them to sit at the natural angle formed by the shape of the chest. You will then need someone to help you place the rear joining panel centrally, locking the angle and width of the two main panels. The rear joining panel, once in position, will cover any gap. Be sure to use the 30 mm rear adjustment if necessary. The panels can touch but should not overlap. If the driver has an angular V-shaped chest, there will be a larger gap at the top of the two panels.
To attach the front strap, pull the Velcro through the central guide on the chest protector. The wide front Velcro strap must remain within the front chest protector guide. Tuck the left side of the chest protector inside the Rib Protector and fix the Velcro strap to the hook receptor on the outside. The front strap does not need to be pulled really tight for the protector to be effective, just tight enough to stop it from being loose. Using the shoulder harness clips, adjust them to lift the protector to the correct height. Please note that all Tillett Rib Protectors are designed to be worn under your race suit and over a thin t-shirt.
Check out the P1 Defender Sizing Guide, and also this fitting guide video:
Better by Design
The P1 Defender excels not only in performance – but also in aesthetics. It currently comes in six striking chrome colour options, and there is the option for a completely personalised custom design (as shown below).
BUILT DIFFERENT
Tillett Racing Seats look, feel and perform differently from any other seat on the market today. This is thanks to a unique (and closely guarded) manufacturing system which is part craftsmanship, part technical know-how and part materials technology.
From research and design to prototype testing and manufacture by hand – every step of our process is rooted in no-compromise quality.
Get in touch with us via our online contact form or by giving us a ring at 01795 420312.
