On Track With Alpinestars Supertech R10 Helmet at Sepang Test

Cycle News Staff | February 14, 2023

Jorge Martin and Jack Miller debuted their new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmets at the Sepang MotoGP test. The Supertech R10 (S-R10) is Alpinestars first road helmet, which has been in development for several years, and was developed on the racetrack with the help of Andrea Dovizioso. There’s no word yet on when the S-R10 will be available to the general public.

This is a press release from Alpinestars…

Completing a combined 284 laps over three days of MotoGP testing in Sepang, Jorge Martin and Jack Miller continued their preparations for the 2023 season, utilizing the Supertech R10 helmet throughout the dry, wet, and mixed circuit conditions they experienced over the course of the test.

The Alpinestars Helmet Developments Department has been focused on safety advancements for over 10 years. One of the results of these years of work is the S-M10 motocross helmet, which is now a leading safety product in U.S. and World Motocross. In tandem with the success of the S-M10 helmet, the S-R10 has been in development for several years, with focus on ensuring the highest performance when it comes to protection and a new level of safety. Advanced aerodynamics has also been a focus of development, with countless sessions in the wind tunnel aimed at reducing drag and providing optimal aerodynamic stability, while offering an elite level of comfort and ventilation.

Andrea Dovizioso has been a key part of the development team including on-track development.

“It’s unreal to be back with Alpinestars and to do it in this fashion, being one of the first to bring the new helmet on board, it’s an amazing opportunity for me. I’m really happy with the first time wearing it on track, the visibility is amazing and thankfully here in Malaysia, we’ve been able to test it in all kinds of conditions, with the humidity and also some rain. I was very, very happy with how it performed in those conditions. And it’s great to be back in the leathers too, they look great and more importantly, they fit fantastically.” ~Jack Miller

“I’m super happy to be in the Alpinestars family, now fully equipped by Alpinestars. I really like how the helmet’s working, how it fits my head is so important, and I’m really comfortable in it. This is very important, we’re going so, so fast; almost 340kph and it’s working perfectly, really stable. So, I’m happy and looking forward to moving forward with this family for a lot of years.” ~Jorge Martin

Supertech R10 Helmet Technical Features

Outer Shell

Carbon Shell Construction Multi-Layer Composite Disperses Energy From Impacts

The S-R10 helmet is constructed with a 3K high-density carbon outer layer that improves the strength and efficiency of energy dissipation over the shell.
The unidirectional (UD) carbon composite layer provides significantly greater radial strength around the shell, preventing compression, but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy.
The aramid fiber layer provides critical penetration protection.
This layered composite combination is given even greater performance with an epoxy resin bonding that offers the best possible strength and energy management. The combination of material layers provides improved energy management as well as limited outer shell deflection, making the energy spread wider and better absorbed by the EPS liner.

Inner Shell

The S-R10’s inner shell is made from EPS in varying densities to disperse impact energies

The S-R10 has four inner shells just like the outer shell.
The EPS inner surface is smooth, creating an optimized, low friction area, for superior oblique impact management.
A-Head Fitment System: The EPS is fitted with a patented A-Head Fitment System which provides both height and angle adjustment. Developed by Alpinestars and originally utilized with great success in the S-M10 Motocross helmet, the A-Head Fitment System allows for an ultra-specific set-up, where the helmet can be tuned exactly to the rider’s preference for the height and angle at which the helmet sits on the rider’s head.

Aerodynamics

Developed with CFD simulations—and then validated in the wind tunnel and on track—the S-R10 is optimized for low-drag performance and maximum aerodynamic stability.

The aerodynamics of the S-R10 helmet are optimized to work in conjunction and unity with the hump and the back construction of Alpinestars’ racing leather suits.
The S-R10 helmet is fitted with turbulators to improve the aero-acoustic performance.
An aerodynamic spoiler is fitted with a patented release system that incorporates elastic joints that help the spoiler to detach from the helmet shell if it is subjected to a significant impact, regardless of the angle of impact.

Ventilation System

The Supertech R10 helmet contains four ventilation points, all of which are closeable.

Chin Vent: This vent is formed by two openings located in the front of the helmet at the sides of the shield lock mechanism. Air entering from the chin vent will be channeled towards the inner side of the shield, creating a uniform, laminated flow of air that effectively prevents fogging and misting.
Chin Bar Vents: These vents are used to extract humid air to the outside of the helmet.
Top Vent: The large central slider channels air down to the top of the head, for better comfort. Which in turn, when open, has vents for hot air extraction away from the rider’s forehead.
Rear Spoiler Extractor: Two extractor vents are located under the rear spoiler, for effective hot-air extraction.

Shield

The shield mechanism is fitted with metal lock components to prevent unwanted shield detachment during impacts. A front metal lock keeps it in the closed position.

The Shield is equipped with internal pins to accommodate a Pinlock 120XLT – 100 % Max Vision lens and external pins to accommodate tear-offs.
The S-R10 is fitted with an Optical Class 1 shield, 3mm in thickness, and coated with an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.
The shield attaches to the shell via side cams mechanisms, allowing the shield to rotate and to move, in order to seal it completely against the helmet’s rubber window trim.

Removable Lining

The lining is removable and washable. It features fabrics with anti-microbial treatments.

Crown Pad: The crown pad and the neck pad are elastically connected, for enhanced oblique impact management, with a construction based on four panels (front, sides, rear), for an optimized fit with the proper foam thickness.
Top Pad: The top pad is removable and height adjustable via the A-Head Fitment System.
Cheekpads: The cheekpads are fitted with premium foam and fabrics, offering comfort and breathability. The cheekpads also feature an emergency extraction system, allowing the side cheek padding to be easily removed by trackside support and medical staff, and they also have a channel for the installation of a hydration system.

For more information about Alpinestars, visit www.alpinestars.com