Sparco S.p.A. is an Italian

auto part This is a list of auto parts, which are manufactured components of automobiles. This list reflects both fossil-fueled cars (using internal combustion engines) and electric vehicles; the list is not exhaustive. Many of these parts are also used o ...

and accessory company headquartered in Volpiano near Turin that specializes in producing items such as seats,

steering wheel A steering wheel (also called a driving wheel, a hand wheel, or simply wheel) is a type of steering control in vehicles. Steering wheels are used in most modern land vehicles, including all mass-production automobiles, buses, light and hea ...

s, harnesses, racewear and helmets. Sparco branded alloy wheels are produced under licence by OZ Group. They also sponsor many types of auto races including rallies and single-seaters.

History

The company was founded in 1977 in Italy and today the ownership is still Italian; the company is one of the leading manufacturers of racing safety equipment. In 1977, FIA decided to restrict their safety standards, in order to decrease injuries during races: the first product that brought fame to Sparco, was a fireproof racing suit, that could withstand 11 seconds in fire, an absolute record for the time. This resistance was more than enough to meet new FIA 8856-2000 requests. Moreover, that was the only effective alternative to the cotton racing suits, which were not fireproof and did not meet the new requirements. Each year Sparco improved their technology, so the fire resistance of their suits increased yearly. In 2009, Aldino Bellazzini acquired a majority stake in Sparco and assumed the role of Chairman. Following his appointment, Bellazzini initiated a series of technical improvements within the company. These enhancements contributed to Sparco obtaining the ISO/TS16949:09 quality certification in 2010. Sparco, in collaboration with McLaren, developed the McLaren SP16+, a race suit that is notably at least 10 percent lighter than any other on the market. Since 2016, this innovative suit has been worn by drivers of the McLaren F1 Racing Team.

Sponsorships

Formula One

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Formula 2

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* Trident Motorsport

IndyCar

* Chip Ganassi Racing *

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* Andretti Global *

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* Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

NASCAR

* Kaulig Racing * Rick Ware Racing *

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* Front Row Motorsports

Former sponsorships

Formula One

* Arrows *

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* Forti * Jordan Grand Prix * MasterCard Lola *

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* Midland F1 Racing *

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* Super Aguri F1 * Spyker F1 * Team Lotus (2010–11)/ Caterham F1 Team *

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* Williams

Notes and references

External links

* {{Authority control Auto parts suppliers of Italy Automotive motorsports and performance companies Automotive companies established in 1977 Italian companies established in 1977 Italian brands Wheel manufacturers Metropolitan City of Turin Companies based in Volpiano