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Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG reveal new safety cars

By Stephen Turvil | March 23, 2021

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F1 will have two differently branded support cars for the first time in its history. Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG have both revealed their designs... and they look special!

Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG reveal new safety cars Image

Formula 1 will have two official Safety Cars in 2021 as Aston Martin will supply Safety and Medical Cars to the Championship – alongside Mercedes-Benz - for the first time in the iconic British brand's illustrious history. The eye-catching silver Mercedes-Benz has also had a new paint job and will be a vibrant red when the cars take off for the first time in Bahrain this weekend.

Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG reveal new safety cars Image

Safety cars

The Aston Martin Vantage has extra features that make it more capable on track than a standard production equivalent. Its 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine has 535PS, for starters. That is a further 25PS. In addition, it sustains its maximum torque figure for longer. Expect 685Nm. The car also hits 60mph in only 3.5 seconds. Other special features include:

  • optimised gearbox
  • greater downforce
  • lower profile tyres
  • upgraded steering, suspension, and dampers
  • light bar on the roof
  • screens that confirm the position of the race cars, etc.

The Aston Martin Vantage is not alone, though. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Safety Car shares its responsibilities and is also immensely quick. Strengths include its 4.0 litre, V8, twin-turbo engine, 585PS, and 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Expect 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds. 

Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG reveal new safety cars Image

Medical cars

The Aston Martin DBX Medical Car has a different job. Its role is to get a doctor, medical supplies, and safety equipment to the scene of a collision as fast as possible. This sports-utility vehicle carries a defibrillator, for example. It complements the burn kit and fire extinguishers. Power comes via a 4.0 litre, V8, 550PS, twin-turbo engine. The engine also produces 700Nm of torque.

The Mercedes-Benz C63 S Estate shares such duties on the race track. It has a: 4.0 litre V8 turbo engine, 510PS, and ceramic brakes. It is an immensely fast, practical, and spacious workhorse.

Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG reveal new safety cars Image

F1 boss delighted

Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Domenicali, is pleased to have such cars on the track. ‘Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG are iconic automotive brands’, he emphasised. ‘We are proud of their place in this incredible sport.’

 

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