The Official FIA Safety Car for Formula 1 in 2024 is none other than the latest Vantage model introduced by Aston Martin. This top-tier Vantage is primed to guide the Formula 1 cars through the Grand Prix circuits across the globe, displaying its excellence at the forefront of motorsport.
A modified edition of the Vantage will be at the helm during the formation lap ahead of the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2024, positioning itself at the exit of the pit lane, ready to respond promptly if required to regulate the race’s tempo. Revealed alongside the Vantage GT3 racer and AMR24 F1 challenger a few weeks ago, the new Vantage embodies Aston Martin’s extensive legacy of performance and innovation, highlighting its 111 years of vibrant advancement.
Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, expressed: “Vantage is at the heart of the Aston Martin brand, so having the swiftest, most driver-focused Vantage as a vital component of the esteemed FIA Formula One World Championship™ fills us with pride. When it comes to brand recognition, F1® is unparalleled as a global, high-energy sport. Building upon the inherent connections between the sport and Aston Martin, racing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness not only the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR24 in action but also two of our most exhilarating performance models, Vantage and the acclaimed DBX707.”
Fueled by a potent, handcrafted 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, the latest Vantage emerges as the swiftest iteration, providing a 30% power surge compared to its forerunner. This guarantees that the Vantage Safety Car swiftly accelerates whenever necessary. Surprisingly, the new road-ready Vantage required no modifications to its engine, changes in the cooling system, or enhancements in braking capabilities to become the FIA Safety Car. It was purposefully created for this essential role.
The Aston Martin Vantage Pace Car has impressed Bernd Mayländer, the FIA Safety Car Driver. He commends the car for being rapid and focused, imparting enhanced handling and power. Mayländer appreciates the vehicle’s performance, enabling quick and secure responses for on-track deployment. Driving the Vantage has been a delightful experience for him over the prior seasons, and he is excited to be among the first to explore the full capabilities of the new Vantage on premier racing circuits.
Known as the most athletic model in the Aston Martin lineup, the Aston Martin Vantage underwent significant alterations to serve as the Official FIA Safety Car for Formula 1®. To bolster its performance on the track, this special car showcases improved underfloor aerodynamics, an elongated front splitter, and a fresh rear wing placed for heightened downforce with a fine-tuned Gurney flap. The FIA lightbar on the car has been aerodynamically optimized to ensure peak performance while leading the Formula 1® cars with rapidly cooling tires.
Inside the Vantage Safety Car, an array of systems aids the driver and passenger in their duties. The standard production seats have been swapped with Pole Position Seats to keep the FIA Safety Car driver, Bernd Mayländer, and his companion securely in place as they navigate at velocity. A bespoke center console is outfitted with controls to manage the FIA systems, alongside screens showing real-time lap times, the track positioning of all cars, and a rear-view camera. Despite its functionality, the Safety Car maintains the elegance of an Aston Martin, boasting an interior trimmed in a distinct Lime Essence shade as a nod to the marque’s racing hues.
Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin’s Group Chief Technology Officer, commented: “Every facet of the Vantage, encompassing the design and technology, has been integrated into the new F1® Safety Car, enabling fans to truly feel its speed and driver-centric essence. This latest rendition of the Vantage, recognized as the fastest and most focused version to date, is an ideal fit for this role. Transforming it into the Official FIA Safety Car for Formula 1® necessitated the addition of all the requisite FIA equipment. Additionally, it is equipped with extra aerodynamic components absent in the standard road vehicle, ensuring its track performance and the showcasing of its capabilities.” about the latest ultra-luxurious high-performance vehicle of the brand.”
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