The Nürburgring 6 Hours this weekend will see the introduction of a new fleet of Audi safety cars.
The specially adapted Audi R8 V10 + is a 610bhp mid-engined car which will be charged with the important task of neutralising the field should there be an on-track incident during the race. The car is easily capable of 300kph!
The Audi R8 V10 + has been honed and track tested prior to its debut as the official safety car this weekend at the Nürburgring.
In charge of the two safety cars for the 2015 season is Georg Bauer, who explained the set-up inside the cockpit, and how the WEC official safety car driver Thierry Veyrie will communicate with FIA WEC Race Director, Eduardo Freitas this weekend.
“On the top surface of the car we obviously have the roof bar lights, which on the left and right side are yellow and in the middle we have the green light,” said Bauer, who works for the specialist Audi division – Audi Exclusive. “Inside we have the FIA marshalling system and a radio system which has channels which connect the driver and co-driver directly with Mr Freitas. This also allows the driver and co-driver to talk together as well.”
The communications is always a vital element of conducting the safety car procedures and the incumbents of the Audi R8 V10 + have a quick and easy PTT (Push to Talk) button located on the specially made steering wheel.
As well as the two official Audi safety cars, there are also three medical cars and a special rapid response Track Car. These vehicles are Audi RS4 and Audi RS3 models respectively. The chief medical car will be driven by a specialist paramedic driver with FIA Medical Delegate Alain Chantegret beside him.
The Track Car is to be driven by four time Le Mans winner and FIA Driver Advisor, Yannick Dalmas. This car is used primarily to de-activate any hybrid system technology on the cars in event of a stoppage or incident on the track. Designated engineers from teams are taken by this car so they can work on their cars.
“It is a special Audi, for sure,” said Bauer. “It is an important link in a good and big team effort, and it is nice that the first race for this particular model will be here at home in Germany.”
Sam Smith
