Kimi, Juan set to shine in Monaco.

McLaren-Mercedes drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya will have even greater reason to sparkle at the most glittering event on the Formula One calendar, after the Woking team revealed the extent of its link with diamond specialist Steinmetz.

The company, which partnered Jaguar Racing at the last two Monaco races, has always managed to make a 'star-studded' appearance in the principality, and this year will be no exception, as both McLaren race regulars parade examples of its handicraft.

For one race only, both Raikkonen and Montoya will race with round brilliant diamonds included in customised crash helmet designs. Dubbed by the creators as 'the most exciting design collaboration to grace Monte Carlo', the two drivers' names have been expertly paved in diamonds on the side of their respective helmets. Raikkonen is renowned for introducing a unique helmet design for the Monaco race each year and 2005 will be no exception as, with the help of Steinmetz, he more than fulfils his 'Ice Man' nickname.

The helmets will be presented to the two drivers - who have so far only seen the designs on paper - by Natasja Vermeer, star of the HBO series Emmanuelle, but they will only be able to keep them for one weekend as, after the race, they will be auctioned off on behalf of charities chosen by the drivers, the McLaren team, Mercedes and 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," commented company CEO Nir Livnat, "We are also pleased to be able to raise money for some very worthy charities and look forward to a lasting relationship with McLaren."