Never mind diamonds on the soles of their feet... With Pictures

18/05/2005
NEWS STORY

Steinmetz and the West McLaren Mercedes Formula One Team are poised to set a precedent with the official launch of a unique and glittering partnership.

Steinmetz, creators of the world's finest diamonds, and West McLaren Mercedes are both leaders in their respective fields, which although very different, rely on many similar principles. Flawless engineering, ground-breaking design and unparalleled performance are all traits the partners share in common. Steinmetz are proud to be associated with such a professional team.

This year's Monaco Grand Prix promises one of the most innovative collaborations in the history of Formula 1, with Steinmetz, creators of the world's finest diamonds working in partnership with West McLaren Mercedes. For one race only, both drivers will sparkle with round brilliant diamonds expertly cut in their factory in South Africa - Steinmetz have worked with both Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya to customise their helmets in what is the most exciting design collaboration to grace Monte Carlo. The two F1 drivers names have been expertly pavéd in diamonds on the side. Kimi is renowned for introducing a unique helmet design for the Monaco race each year and this year, with the help of Steinmetz, he has fulfilled his 'Ice Man' nickname in an even more fitting manner.

The helmets will be presented to the F1 drivers, who have so far only seen the designs on the page, by the beautiful Natasja Vermeer, star of the HBO series Emmanuelle. After the race, the helmets will be auctioned and all the proceeds will go to charities chosen by the drivers and the West McLaren Mercedes Team.

Steinmetz and West McLaren Mercedes have combined flawless technology to apply the diamonds, bringing their brand of innovation and glamour to the Monaco Grand Prix. Nir Livnat, CEO of Steinmetz, "We are very excited to be partnering West McLaren Mercedes and I feel that these diamond helmets reflect the expert level of patience, craftsmanship and engineering that is necessary for cutting and polishing diamonds. We are also pleased to be able to raise money for some very worthy charities and look forward to a lasting relationship with McLaren."

Thanks to the Steinmetz pavé diamonds, the bespoke helmets will be the most expensive ever to race around Monaco… or any other track on the Grand Prix circuit. And there is no doubt in anyone's mind that these two will certainly be winners in the style stakes!

This collaboration was designed to perfectly combine the passion of Formula 1 motor racing, the elegance and splendour of Monaco and the brilliance of some of the finest natural diamonds in the world.

The Steinmetz / West McLaren Mercedes partnership will be unveiled on Wednesday, 18th May at the Top Car Collection Museum, Les Terrasses de Fontvieille, Monaco, 98000.

The helmets took a total of three months to create from design conception to the intricate positioning of the diamonds.

The helmets were designed for Kimi and Juan Pablo in Finland and America respectively by the master technicians Uffe Tagstrom and Troy Lee.

Kimi has a bespoke helmet for the Monaco Grand Prix every year – last year it had a scene depicting the Monaco Harbour on the back, this year there are two die and the caption 'Dice'n in the streets' emblazed across the back.

The round, brilliant cut diamonds were cut and polished to exact measurement in one of Steinmetz's state-of-the-art factories in South Africa.

The diamonds were placed on the helmet using precise, resin techniques to ensure they remain on the helmet throughout any conditions the race may see.

Natasja Vermeer has appeared in the hit US show Emmanuelle and her film 'Private Moments' is screening in Cannes at the Festival this year. She has also sung the lead song 'Emmanuelle' on the Claude Challe album by the same name and is regarded as one of Hollywood's up and coming starlets