Aston Martin introduces the latest Vantage model as the Official FIA Safety Car for Formula 1 in 2024. This high-performance Vantage is designed to lead the Formula 1 cars around the various Grand Prix circuits worldwide, showcasing its prowess at the forefront of motorsport.
An adapted version of the Vantage will guide the Formula 1 cars on the formation lap prior to the FORMULA 1 STC SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2024, positioning itself at the pit lane exit, prepared to react swiftly if needed to regulate the race pace. Unveiled alongside the Vantage GT3 racer and AMR24 F1 challenger a few weeks earlier, the new Vantage embodies Aston Martin’s rich history of performance and innovation, emphasizing its 111 years of dynamic evolution.
Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin, stated: “Vantage is the core of the Aston Martin brand, so having the fastest, most driver-focused Vantage to be a crucial part of the esteemed FIA Formula One World Championship™ fills us with pride. When it comes to brand recognition, F1® is unmatched as a global, high-energy sport. Expanding on the natural connections between the sport and Aston Martin, racing enthusiasts will not only witness the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team AMR24’s in action but also two of our most thrilling performance models, Vantage and the award-winning DBX707.”
Propelled by a powerful, handcrafted 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine, the latest Vantage stands out as the fastest version, packing a 30% power boost compared to its predecessor. This ensures the Vantage Safety Car accelerates swiftly when needed. The new road-ready Vantage is so high-performing that it didn’t require any engine modifications, cooling system changes, or enhanced braking capabilities to be adapted as the FIA Safety Car. It was designed for this important role.
The Aston Martin Vantage Pace Car impresses Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car Driver. He describes it as fast and focused, offering improved handling and power. Mayländer values the car’s performance, enabling quick and safe responses for on-track deployment. Driving the Vantage has been enjoyable for him over the past seasons, and he is thrilled to be among the first to experience the new Vantage’s full capabilities on top racing circuits.
The Aston Martin Vantage, known as the most sporty model in the Aston Martin lineup, underwent intensive modifications to serve as the Official FIA Safety Car for Formula 1®. To enhance its performance on the track, this special car features enhanced underfloor aerodynamics, an extended front splitter, and a new rear wing positioned for increased downforce with a tuned Gurney flap. The FIA lightbar on the car has been aerodynamically optimized to ensure top performance when leading the Formula 1® cars with rapidly cooling tires.
Inside the Vantage Safety Car, there are many systems to assist the driver and passenger in their roles. The production seats have been replaced by Pole Position Seats to keep FIA Safety Car driver, Bernd Mayländer, and his passenger firmly in place as they circulate at speed. A bespoke center console is equipped with switchgear to operate the FIA systems, along with screens displaying live lap times, the track positioning of all the cars, and a rear-view camera. Despite being functional, the Safety Car retains the style of an Aston Martin with its interior finished in a unique Lime Essence trim as a tribute to the marque’s racing colors.
Roberto Fedeli, Group Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin, stated: “Every aspect of the Vantage, from the design to the technology, has been incorporated into the new F1® Safety Car, allowing fans to truly experience its speed and driver-centric nature. This latest version of the Vantage, already known as the fastest and most focused one yet, is a perfect fit for this role. Transforming it into the Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1® involved adding all the necessary FIA equipment. Additionally, it features extra aerodynamic elements not present on the standard road car, ensuring its ability to perform on the racetrack and demonstrate its capabilities.”of the brand’s newest ultra-luxury high-performance vehicle.”
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