Schumachers to benefit from new helmet.

Ralf and Michael Schumacher could benefit from the revolutionary crash helmet they used in a recent test session as early as this coming season, if reports in the European press are to believed.

The brothers shared the latest prototype from manufacturer Schuberth, painted in a combination of their regular colours, at the Circuit de Catalunya late last month with a view to adding to its development this year. Now, however, the motorsport media in Germany is reporting that Michael could run with the new design at the opening round of the world championship in Melbourne next weekend.

Unfortunately for Schumacher's rivals, the advance - the result of several thousand hours spent in the wind tunnel - should mean that the airflow to the Ferrari's airbox will be enhanced, potentially increasing the power of the car's V10 engine in the process. The helmet is both smaller and lighter than previous versions, but continues to feature all the added extras that Schumacher has become used to in recent seasons.

No word yet on when Ralf is likely to get his new helmet, but he, too, could be sporting new headgear in Australia.