Grapevine: Drivers Donate Helmets, Suits for USA Charity

The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) is coordinating the donation of helmets and drivers' suits of Formula One drivers participating in the United States Grand Prix for auction to benefit children of victims of the terrorist attacks on the United States three weeks ago.

Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard and Jarno Trulli pledged the gifts in a ceremony with Tony George, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, shortly before the start of the SAP United States Grand Prix on Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

George will collect the helmets and uniforms from the drivers and will arrange for sale or auction of the items to realize the maximum proceeds for the surviving children of the September 11th attacks.

"This is a gracious gesture on the part of the drivers," George said. "Formula One fans around the world will have an opportunity to help the survivors of the attacks by purchasing these special items."

The following drivers have already donated these items for charity:

Michael Schumacher - Helmet Giancarlo Fisichella - Helmet Rubens Barrichello - Driver's suit Jenson Button - Helmet Mika Hakkinen - Driver's suit Olivier Panis - Driver's suit David Coulthard - Driver's suit Jacques Villeneuve - Driver's suit Jarno Trulli - Driver's suit Enrique Bernoldi - Driver's suit Jean Alesi - Driver's suit Nick Heidfeld - Driver's suit Ralf Schumacher - Helmet Kimi Raikkonen - Driver's suit Juan Pablo Montoya - Driver's suit

The remaining Formula One drivers - Fernando Alonso, Tomas Enge, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Eddie Irvine, Pedro de la Rosa, Jos Verstappen and Alex Yoong - will donate their helmet, driver's suit or other items after the final race of the 2001 season, the Japanese Grand Prix on October 14th, George said.