Vettel, Webber put helmets up for auction

Infiniti Red Bull Racing drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber have each donated a helmet they carried to a podium finish in 2013 to be auctioned in aid of spinal cord injury charity Wings for Life.

Wings for Life is the title charity partner of RBR and its logo featured on the cars of both Vettel and Webber during the season. Both drivers, along with F1 veteran David Coulthard are ambassadors for the cause.

Vettel has chosen a helmet worn at the 2013 German Grand Prix at the N?rburgring, where he took his first home victory in F1. Known for having uniquely designed helmets for each race, this version reflects Germany's national colours of black, red and gold.

"This is one of my favourite helmet designs from the season and it goes without saying that this was one of the most special races for me - my first ever home win," Vettel commented, "Just as the race meant a lot to me, Wings for Life does too and it's my pleasure to donate this signed and worn helmet for auction. I hope it raises a lot of money for their vital spinal research projects.

Webber, meanwhile, has chosen two helmets for the auction, from the Belgian and Italian grands prix respectively. While his 'lids' do not vary very much from race to race, the Australian has also donated a signed and worn Alpinestars race suit for the bidders to consider, all made more valuable by the fact that he announced his retirement from F1 after twelve years of competing in the top flight.

All lots will be sold to the highest bidder at a live auction as part of Bonhams' traditional end of year sale of Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia in Oxford. Buyers can bid online, by telephone or attend the event in person. 100 per cent of the money raised from the unique F1 items will go directly towards cutting-edge research aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injury.