The McLaren team will have an unearthly advantage at this weekend's British Grand Prix as their mechanics step out in overalls based on space suit technology.

The suits feature a special cooling system to help mechanics in the extreme heat.

They are the result of a unique collaboration between the European Space Agency (Esa), Italian fashion manufacturer Karada and designer Hugo Boss.

It is another example of how European space technology can provide effective solutions to problems here on Earth

Pierre Brisson, Esa

The challenge was to produce a miniaturised air conditioning system within the garment, offering maximum comfort and fire protection for the rigorous safety standards that mechanics have to adhere to on the track.

The solution: 50 metres of plastic tubing, 2mm wide, originally developed for an astronaut's suit which Karada has installed in 55 overalls.

Out of this world

Sitting comfortably and cool

Karada has been investigating the use of engineering, chemistry and mechanics in clothing since 2001 via a spin-off firm called Grado Zero Espace.

Last year the firm designed a self-ironing shirt which was given a Best Innovation award from Time magazine.

Head of the European Space Agency's Technology Transfer Programme Pierre Brisson is pleased to see such a practical application for the hi-tech clothes.

"It is another example of how European space technology can provide effective solutions to problems here on Earth," he said.

The Technology Transfer Programme at the European Space Agency scouts the space world to identify technologies with a potential for non-space applications.

Since 1991 it has created one billion euros and established 25 new companies, employing 2,500 people.