Aston Martin Vantage and DBX get to work with Formula 1
Aston Martin is not only returning to compete in the Formula One World Championship, the company’s two grand prix contenders on the 2021 starting Grand Prix grid will be joined by Aston Martin siblings assuming the roles of Official Safety and Medical cars.
A specially equipped version of the Aston Martin Vantage has been developed for controlling the pace of a race, joined by an Aston Martin DBX SUV fulfilling the role of Official Medical Car.
Aston Martin Vantage – Safety Car of Formula 1
Piloted by Bernd Mayländer, who has been at the helm of the F1 safety car for over twenty years, the Aston Martin will remain on standby in the pit lane throughout the race.
When deployed by Race Control in the event of bad weather or an accident, the former race driver and co-driver, Richard Darker will take to the track at the head of the field to safely control the pace of the pack. This led to the engineering team enhancing the already fast Vantage, focusing on improved track performance and lap times.
Power has increased by 25PS to 535PS, delivered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 going from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. The Vaned grille and new front splitter creates 155kg of downforce at 200km/h; more than 60kg more than the production Vantage produces at the same speed.
Aston Martin DBX – Medical Car of Formula 1
An Aston Martin DBX will share the responsibilities of Official Medical Car this season, driven by Alan van der Merwe. Powered by the 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, also found in the DB11 and Vantage, the DBX provides 550PS and 700NM of torque which launches DBX from 0 to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 181mph.
The Official Medical Car is required to carry a substantial amount of equipment including a large medical bag, a defibrillator, two fire extinguishers and a burn kit – adequately filling 632 litres of boot space in the DBX.
Aston Martin fans will be able to see the Aston Martin Vantage Official Safety Car in action for the first time during the three-day pre-season test at Bahrain on 12-14 March, and then again during the opening round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, at the same venue two weeks later.
