BMW M’s long-running support of MotoGP continues with the new BMW M2 Coupe being named the Official MotoGP Safety Car.
MotoGP is the pinnacle of international motorcycle racing. The best riders in the world on the most technologically advanced racing bikes compete for the title of World Champion in grands prix around the world. BMW M has been involved with MotoGP since 1999, providing a wide array of vehicles in safety, medical, and logistical roles.
The most visible non-motorcycle vehicle in the world of MotoGP is the safety car. For the 2016 season, BMW will be providing the new BMW M2 Coupe to serve as the race series safety car. These M2s will be specially modified by BMW to a higher level of performance, safety, visibility, and communication.
MotoGP riders trust the safety car to maintain a sufficient pace around demanding tracks and past potential obstacles, so the safety car must be engineered for the role. Power and handling are paramount. The safety car must be seen by the riders behind it and by track and emergency personnel as it approaches, so color and lighting are also important.
BMW’s newest M car is perfect for its new MotoGP safety car role. It would also look pretty darn good sitting in our garage. Too bad BMW doesn’t sell M2 MotoGP safety car street versions like the American car companies used to do with street versions of the Indianapolis 500 pace cars.
While we may not be able to get an M2 with the MotoGP safety car lights and paint job, many of the parts installed on the safety car are available to ordinary people as BMW M Performance Parts. The video below highlights how some of them look on the M2 MotoGP safety car.—Scott Blazey
[Photos and video courtesy of BMW AG.]
