GPA Michel Finquel was a racing-car driver during the Sixties. Tired of losing his friends in accidents owing to the lack of adequate physical protection, he decided to design the first fire-resistant driving suits to protect drivers effectively from fire during accidents. Designed under the NAZA brand name, this high-quality safety concept was widely adopted, including by mechanics in the stands. Working in partnership with the designers of the GPA brand, he was closely involved in the design of the famous integral helmet. In spite of the mixed response it received at the time, there is no doubt of the success today of such an innovation for F1 racing, rallies and motorcycling. GPA has supplied the greatest drivers in the world including Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, Jacques Laffite and Gilles Villeneuve. After subsequently becoming a keen rider, it was when his daughter took up riding that he decided that she needed top protection, as he had done for his driver friends in the past. From this visionary spirit focused on safety above all came the GPA brand. With nearly 50 years of experience in safety equipment, GPA is a guarantee of serious and longstanding commitment to safety in sport. GPA also have a great range of clothing, luggage and accessories for all disciplines of equestrian – including showjumping, dressage and endurance. Their quality is of the highest standard and is worn by leading dressage riders Claudia Fassaert and Steffen Peters.
Michel Finquel was a racing-car driver during the Sixties. Tired of losing his friends in accidents owing to the lack of adequate physical protection, he decided to design the first fire-resistant driving suits to protect drivers effectively from fire during accidents. Designed under the NAZA brand name, this high-quality safety concept was widely adopted, including by mechanics in the stands. Working in partnership with the designers of the GPA brand, he was closely involved in the design of the famous integral helmet. In spite of the mixed response it received at the time, there is no doubt of the success today of such an innovation for F1 racing, rallies and motorcycling. GPA has supplied the greatest drivers in the world including Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, Jacques Laffite and Gilles Villeneuve. After subsequently becoming a keen rider, it was when his daughter took up riding that he decided that she needed top protection, as he had done for his driver friends in the past. From this visionary spirit focused on safety above all came the GPA brand. With nearly 50 years of experience in safety equipment, GPA is a guarantee of serious and longstanding commitment to safety in sport.
GPA also have a great range of clothing, luggage and accessories for all disciplines of equestrian – including showjumping, dressage and endurance. Their quality is of the highest standard and is worn by leading dressage riders Claudia Fassaert and Steffen Peters.