From a press release issued by Suomy USA:

TAMADA SELECTS SUOMY

Suomy, the bold emerging name in helmets, continues its trailblazing history of firsts: Suomy is extremely pleased to announce that it has signed Makato Tamada and that he will compete the 2004 Moto GP season in a Suomy Helmet.

This is an historic event! Never before has a high profile Japanese rider not been sponsored by a Japanese helmet manufacturer. Tamada is the very first such racer to sign with a non-Japanese helmet, and he has selected the premier Italian helmet, Suomy, based on its stellar reputation and record. “We are very proud of this development and we firmly believe in our new rider”, stated Rick Marlin, president of Suomy USA.

Tamada is excited to race under the Suomy colors, and appeared for the fist time in public with his new helmet in Malaysia along with fellow Suomy teammate Max Biaggi. He joins a growing rank of the very best riders in the world who have chosen Suomy as their primary source of head protection.

The new Tamada helmet will be available from dealers nationwide this spring. MSRP is $499.95.

For more information, contact: Rick Marlin, Suomy USA: 800-524-9938.