PICTURES: Dainese's airbag in action.

The airbag, contained within a 'collar' around the top of the rider's leathers, supports and protects the neck and collarbone area during an accident, and can be easily removed afterwards.

The most difficult part is making sure the airbag is deployed only when it is needed, but the Dainese system performance faultlessly during the Valencia weekend and may eventually be available to road riders.