Fabric group helping to protect Formula 1 drivers

as Sebastian Vettel revs up his challenge for the Formula 1 world title, he relies on a small Yorkshire business to protect him from flames.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Jul 2011, 08:53 BST

Leeds-based Narrow Fabric Technology is manufacturing fire retardant fabrics which are used on the F1 Red Bull Racing team’s cars.

Vettel, the German driver who heads the driver’s championship, is one of Red Bull’s star performers.

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According to Andrew Loftus, a director at Narrow Fabric Technology, the material supplied by the company is used to reduce heat transmission from the F1 cars’ exhausts on to nearby parts.

Mr Loftus said: “It reduces the chances of a car bursting into flames.

“We’re a fledgling company and it’s a real feather in our cap to be dealing with such a large organisation.”

Narrow Fabric Technology, which was founded last year, has four staff and an estimated turnover of £150,000.

Mr Loftus is no stranger to the world of celebrity.

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From 1996 to 2006 he was a partner at the Shipley-based firm Dandy UK, which made straps for the ITV show Gladiators. Narrow Fabric Technology also supplies fire retardant straps to Cirque du Soleil and other international circuses.

Related topics:YorkshireLeedsRed Bull